Eating Out Locally?
Whilst on your Great family holidays uk & best family breaks uk at Tan yr Eglwys Cottages which is ideally located to reach many places quite quickly by car. As Cilybebyll is tucked away in the countryside, we are only too ready to jump in the car when heading off for a meal. A few places can be walked to but then it is an uphill walk home which means we get a taxi.
In no particular order, but maybe grouped in a general direction from the cottages.
Towards Neath (turn left when you reach the main road.
The Smiths Arms, Rhos.
Our nearest pub, just after the chapel in Rhos. Often used by locals but food is not served here. The exception recently has been a Sunday Dinner that can be ordered and collected from the pub to take home.
The Dyffryn Arms, Bryncoch
On the roadside, on the right hand side as you go towards Neath, about 2 miles away is the Dyffryn Arms. Although there is a pavement along the main road to the pub, this is a busy main road with fast passing traffic, so not a relaxing walk. There is outdoor seating and a play area. It is always very popular with almost always a full car park in the afternoons and evenings. Their recent Facebook posts show interesting food and presentation.
The Loft at The Glyn Clydach Hotel.
Easily found due to Google Maps or Sat Nav. It is a 4-5 mile journey along country lanes similar to those in Cilybebyll. This is a popular wedding venue but also has a popular restaurant with fabulous views over open countryside. Stylish surroundings and good food to enjoy on your Great family holidays uk & best family breaks uk.
Neath
Morruzzi and Co.
Neath has several places to eat, but as the name suggests this sound Italian heritage produces good quality meals with a good and busy atmosphere. They, like many developed a good take away menu over the last year or so, the food is consistently sound.
Neath valley,
Sgwd Gwladus
Good food, pleasant surroundings , certainly a nice place to call in when visiting Pont Nedd Fechan waterfalls.
Meet & Greet
Locatedad a mile or so from Henrhyd Falls. In the ex-mining village of Banwen is an education Centre signposted as the DOVE Centre. Within this is the Meet and Greet cafe – check their opening hours and events on their Facebook page. They also have an outlet in Neath, so ensure the correct location.
Alltwen
The village of Alltwen sits between Rhos and Pontardawe. The 2 eating places below are near each other, just over 2 miles by car, being accessed via Rhos or Gellinudd. Personally we would walk down the pathway next to the cottages, then follow the road to Alltwen. A short stretch of the road has no pavement and traffic travels quite fast for the narrow lanes.
The New Lodge, Alltwen
This is very popular with locals, it has a reputation for good, simple meals with reasonable prices. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan meals are available.
The Butchers Arms @ Alltwen.
Nearby, just next door to the chapel is The Butchers. Nice surroundings, lovely views and certainly seen as a restaurant rather than a pub nowadays.
Many guests enjoy, ensure you are aware of the prices and deals on certain evenings by checking their website and Facebook page.
Pontardawe
The first pub seen on the left side as you come down over the bridge to Pontardawe is The Pontardawe Inn or known as The Gwachel by locals. Popular local for many with good bar meals served on your Great family holidays uk & best family breaks uk.
The Scrum Brunch Cafe
This is a very recent new place to eat, very popular from breakfast onwards. Booking is advised as it is attracting a lot of people.
The Ynysmeudwy Arms
This is just 2 miles up the valley from Pontardawe. It still retains the feel of a local pub but with lovely home cooked food. It is spacious and there is an outdoor seating area and children’s play area.
The Dillwyn Arms, Pontardawe Cross.
Excellent recent feedback of their Sunday dinners. There is an outdoor seating area on decking overlooking the river.
Clydach
Clydach is 4 miles down the Swansea valley
Cattle & Co.
A very popular authentic American BBQ and Smokehouse meat experience. They have proved popular here in nearby Clydach and have recently also opened up at Llanelli in an amazing former industrial building down at the old docks and near the beach.
Riverbank Restaurant
From the beginnings of a pop up pizza oven has grown The Riverbank. The Riverbank is well rated and offers food choices for vegans and vegetarians.
Pantri
For a lunch treat and well placed to aim for after a canal walk from Pontardawe is Pantri, run by Catrin. You are always warmly welcomed at Pantri by Catrin . Their excellent (though small menu} of rolls with beautiful fillings, quiche and soup depending on the season. Excellent quality food and very popular. We advise you book a table to avoid arriving and being disappointed.
Up the Swansea valley
Convenient for a drive from the cottages or as somewhere to call in during or at the end of a day of sightseeing, maybe up at Dan yr Ogof Caves, Henrhyd Falls or further afield in Brecon. All the following are at the side of the A4067.
The Pen y Cae Inn, in the village of Pen y Cae.
An extremely popular pub / restaurant run by the owner and chef. His love of animals has led to the creation of a Micro zoo in the grounds behind the pub. Anyone is always welcome to view the animals – there is no charge. Pen y Cae is extremely busy on weekends and holidays. Booking is advised. This is a fabulous renovation from a country local to a restaurant – a lovely building and excellent food.
The Ancient Briton, Abercrave
This has a reputation for being a good Real Ale pub with very good traditional pub grub. There have been changes in ownership over the Covid period and certainly a few reviews suggest a settling in period, but it appears to be maintaining the good standards of welcome, beer and good food.
The Abercrave Inn, Abercrave
The Copper Beech, Abercrave
Serving food Wednesday – Saturday, each evening presenting a themed menu. There is a taste of Italy, India, Mexico or a Burger night, booking advised.
Swansea
The Grape and Olive, Meridian Tower, Swansea Marina
Simply if only for the views, we suggest the Grape & Olive on the top floor of Swansea’s tallest building at Swansea Marina. Refreshments and food served up on the 24th floor, with views reaching far out to sea and up towards the Brecon Beacons. Interesting to view Swansea life below – the beach , the glass roofed market and the marina.
Westwards, near and in Carmarthen.
Wrights Food Emporium
A highly recommended informal restaurant in what was once a country pub. Wrights offers informal dining , coffee and cake and a grocery store area full of locally produced goodies to easily tempt.
The Warren, Carmarthen
An informal cafe, bar and restaurant with an excellent reputation for local, seasonal and organic food. They always have vegetarian and vegan options. A lovely atmosphere and very popular, excellent reviews.
Y Sied HQ, Carmarthen
A lovely informal cafe with healthy locally produced and sourced options for breakfast or lunch.
For Special Occasions
Whilst there are many choices in all directions, for a special occasion we would chose one of the following. Each place will always serve consistently excellent food for all. In no particular order, really depending on which direction we fancy driving
Y Polyn www.ypolyn.co.uk
Easily reached along the M4 Westwards and beyond on the A48, just 25 miles away, a journey by car of 30 minutes.
The Beach House, Oxwich Bay https://beachhouseoxwich.co.uk/
This is a Michelin star restaurant located on Oxwich Beach. By car the 23 mile journey will take 45 minutes either via Swansea and Mumbles or a more rural route via Gowerton and Three Crosses.
The Felin Fach Griffin, Brecon http://www.eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk/
Just beyond Brecon is the Felin Fach Griffin. The FFG is just under an hours drive through the magnificent scenery of the Brecon Beacons. This is a journey of 55 miles, but a fitting end to a tour of the Brecon Beacons.
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