I tested out Llandudno chippy some say is the 'best ever'
Barnacles, which sits between The Welsh Rock & Gift Shop and a Nationwide branch on Mostyn Street, also serves very nice food. No wonder it was full when I got there this week.
I had to wait a minute or two for a table to become free. I sat down near the back and checked the menu. Reviews on Tripadvisor offer a range of mainly positive opinions.
One diner eulogised about the "Best fish and chips ever" while another sniffed at the supposedly "slimy" fish. Others praised the desserts, in particular the "first rate" banana split and another customer was "very pleased with the novelty cow ice cream!"
Barnacles offers traditional, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan meals, with tasty sounding dishes like Homity Pie (open vegetable pie) served with chips and garnish (£11.95) and "Free & Easy" soup (choose from minestrone, pea & mint, tomato or lentil & red pepper) with a roll and butter (£5.95).
Vegan dishes included Falafel & Chips served with sweet chilli, houmous and garnish (£11.95) and something called a Moving Mountain Hog Dog, which comes with a brioche roll, fried onions and chips (£13.95).
I decided to be screamingly unadventurous and order the Cod Special of fish, chips and mushy peas, a slice of bread and a cup of tea. It took a little while to come, and when the slice of bread arrived it was white not brown.
But then the waitress realised her mistake and offered to change it but it didn't matter. She was rushed off her feet.
The fish and chips were extremely hot and well-cooked. The chips were fine and the batter was a lovely, crispy brown. The fish was soft and lustrous and the peas very mushy indeed.
It was filling and hit the spot. I wanted it to have time to go down so picked a slice of carrot cake from the cabinet to take away. It was soft, sweet and delicious at home.
I liked the wall coverings because the prints give a lovely depiction of the town's history. One photograph showed horse drawn carts trundling up Mostyn Street while another captured hundreds of people in Victorian or Edwardian period garb in caps and wide-brimmed hats - think The Railway Children era - lapping up a routine by long-forgotten performers in Happy Valley.
So I'd recommend Barnacles if you're in town and looking for a fairly traditional lunch. It may be less busy than today.
Hopefully, the food will be as tasty and reliable. I enjoyed my lunch and, judging by its popularity today, plenty of customers felt the same way.
The facts
Location: Barnacles, 7 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2NL. Tel. : 01492 875336. Open 11am till 8pm to catch the tea-time trade.
Food: Well-cooked and hot
Service: A little slow on a busy lunch-time in summer
Atmosphere: Bustling and unfussy
The bill: Cod Special of fish, chips, mushy peas, a slice of bread and a cup of tea: £15.95, plus carrot cake (£4) to take out.
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
I've stayed in top hotels all around Wales and one is my favourite
I've stayed in top hotels all around Wales and one is my favourite This country hotel is luxury with bags of personality, not just another beige-coloured copy-paste five-star experience I've stayed several times at this luxury country house hotel (Image: Savills ) Who says you need a passport for a lush hotel stay? Wales has you covered. We've got the full accommodation roster from coastal spa escapes to grand country house hotels. Expect standout food, spot-on locations and bags of character. Maybe the homemade sourdough at breakfast, the epic lake views, or the quirky design pulls it all together. Either way, we have a very long list of top accommodations, making choosing a favourite challenging. I'm incredibly fortunate to stay in hotels all over Wales and indeed the world as part of my job as a travel journalist and podcaster. In my years of travel, I've experienced all manner of stays, from dingy hostels with sanitary conditions that would alarm the Red Cross to five-star swanky stays with bellhops and butlers. Having run the full gauntlet of accommodation options, certain things make a hotel stand out for me. Small touches, off-beat designs, and hospitality extras elevate it from a good stay to a fabulous one, and often, it has nothing to do with star ratings. I have stayed in boutique Welsh coastal boltholes and bright and airy YHA hostels that have wildly impressed me. Conversely, I recently booked a posh spa break for my anniversary, and upon checking in, I was informed that we couldn't use the spa as they hadn't "received my email request to use the spa." Needless to say, I had to go into full "I would like to speak with the manager" mode. So when my editor asked me to pick a favourite hotel in Wales, I had to mull it over. It's tempting to just name the fanciest five-star stay, a recognisable name we can all concur is a bucket list break. Article continues below But I'm of the mind to break the mould and share somewhere that's a classy stay with plenty of quirks and a staff team that you can reasonably describe as 'chatty'. A country house hotel that gives Saltburn vibes while still being welcoming. My favourite hotel in Wales Pale Hall Hotel has a Michelin Green star (Image: Daily Post Wales ) The place? Palé Hall in Bala. With its illustrious history and lavish décor, this 18-room Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for a swanky escape on the edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), with access to trails, lakes and adventure activities. If you want an eco-stay in Wales, this mansion encapsulates the grandeur of the Victorian era while committing to sustainable practices, including having its own clean, completely carbon-neutral source of electricity. I've stayed several times at this AA Five Red Star, Relais & Châteaux destination luxury country house hotel with an acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star for sustainable practice. It was one of the first hotels in the UK to receive a Michelin Key Award. Like Michelin stars, the Keys are a three-tiered award highlighting the best places to stay globally. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Pride of Britain Hotels and Celebrated Experiences, swish Palé Hall is independently owned by Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, who took over the hotel in 2024. The ambitious pair plan to add a spa and a second restaurant and potentially expand the number of bedrooms. They have also invested £200,000 to create exquisite Welsh art galleries. Arriving at this large countryside hotel is an experience in itself. The historic exterior, framed by gardens, woodland and a backdrop of rolling hills, creates an immediate sense of occasion. Luckily, I wore my finest frock (£4 from Vinted). What's Palé Hall like? Cosy sitting room inside Palé Hall Hotel (Image: Pale Hall ) Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a curious mixture of grandeur and décor I would describe as a hipster fever dream. Imagine a grand staircase, chandeliers and roaring fireplaces paired with patterned wallpaper and abundant taxidermy. How many hanging deer heads can one country house hotel have? Well, the vibe here is 'not enough'! Rooms and suites are individually styled with Take a moment to chat with staff, and you'll soon discover that dog-friendly Palé Hall is more than just your standard countryside escape. Its history is as captivating as its architecture, tracing back to the 15th century when the original house was first built. Constructed in 1871 by the esteemed railway engineer Henry Robertson, the house oozes character and class. Known for his ambitious railway projects across Wales, Robertson spared no expense in creating a home that mirrored his success. The hall, designed by architect Samuel Pountney Smith, is a beacon of elegance and grandeur with its honey-coloured stone and eclectic Jacobean style. Palé Hall's role in history extends beyond its famous guests. During the First World War, it served as a convalescent hospital, providing recovery and respite for injured soldiers amidst its peaceful setting. It took on a new role during the Second World War, providing refuge for evacuated children from urban centres. These young evacuees found safety, freedom, and an opportunity to explore the vast estate, creating memories that starkly contrasted with the turmoil of the time. The property features 18 individually styled bedrooms (Image: Portia Jones ) Over the years, Palé Hall has also hosted an impressive list of guests, including royalty. Queen Victoria visited in 1889, captivated by the house and its scenic surroundings. During her stay, she used a magnificent bath and slept in an ornate bed, both of which remain in the now aptly named Victorian Room, one of the many luxurious suites available if you want to splurge. My favourite room is the Churchill suite, named after the man himself. In the 1950s, the hall became a favourite retreat for Winston Churchill, who often stayed while hunting on the estate's expansive grounds. The Churchill Room preserves this historical connection, allowing guests to sleep in the grand room that once hosted the wartime leader. This dog-friendly suite has a magnificent vaulted ceiling, stained glass roof lights and exquisite wood-panelled walls. Behind a secret door (who doesn't love a room with a hidden door), there's a beautiful marble-lined bathroom where you can luxuriate in a copper and zinc bath while sipping a glass of fizz because, let's face it, there's no point in a bubble bath without prosecco, darlings. You can stay in a suite named after Sir Winston Churchill, who was an occasional guest at Palé Hall in the 1950s. (Image: Portia Jones ) Today, Palé Hall embarks on a new chapter under the stewardship of Anthony and Donna Cooper Barney. The couple actively honours the hall's rich history while spearheading thoughtful restorations and enhancements, preserving its charm and history for future generations. The owners have also recently announced a culinary partnership with a renowned chef. Business News Wales reports that the collaboration between Palé Hall Hotel, at Llandderfel, near Bala, and Luke Selby, executive chef at the double Michelin-starred La Manoir aux Quat'Saisons at Great Milton, Oxford, will be launched before the end of the year. The partnership will feature a chef's Table experience and a series of exclusive dining events highlighting Luke's culinary mastery. A key ingredient will also be the link between local food producers, Welsh culinary heritage, and a chef's table, giving me yet another excuse to return to my favourite countryside bolthole. The hotel sure is fancy (Image: Palé Hall ) Why I love Palé Hall We stayed in the top-floor Carmethen suite during our last visit to Palé Hall during the Christmas period. Stepping into the spacious suite felt like walking into a Christmas dream. A mini Christmas tree adorned the corner, twinkling with warm lights, instantly creating a festive atmosphere. In calming hues of green and cream, the suite's décor exuded understated elegance, perfectly complementing the panoramic views of the Dee Valley and surrounding mountains. The suite's amenities further enhanced the experience. The dramatic bathroom featured a freestanding slipper bath, ideal for soaking away winter chills and a spacious separate shower. The super king-size bed, dressed in luxurious linens, ensured a wonderfully restful night's sleep. Thoughtful details like the Welsh Mead welcome gift and soft bathrobes added a touch of indulgence, perfect after a day of exploration and an evening of upscale dining. The Huntsman Bar and Bistro at Palé Hall was delightful to visit at Christmas, decked out in upscale decorations and playing festive tunes. The bar pays homage to the hall's Victorian heritage with its intricately carved bar, cosy atmosphere, and roaring fire. It's the perfect place to unwind with a classic cocktail or celebrate the season with one of their innovative concoctions. One such standout cocktail, Autumn Gold, comes complete with glowing ice cubes and is served in a treasure chest that emits dry ice, adding a theatrical touch that perfectly encapsulates Palé's eclectic vibe. But it's not just about theatrical drinks at The Huntsman. One standout cocktail, Autumn Gold, features glowing ice cubes (Image: Portia Jones ) Their bistro menu provides a more laid-back dining option for those seeking something less formal than the hotel's fine dining experience. The beautifully adorned bar welcomes dogs, making it a friendly space for all family members, including the woofing variety. With an extensive wine list, it's the kind of snug bar where you could easily lose track of time after a vino or three, as we discovered after sampling several recommendations from keen-as-mustard bar staff. "You HAVE to try this rofiveust Bordeaux, it's exceptional." The Mastercard certainly took a hammering that afternoon. Don't miss out on the afternoon tea at Palé Hall either. The menu is a classic yet elevated affair, beginning with an array of delicate finger sandwiches, each tasty bite exploding with fresh, seasonal flavours. On the other tiers are warm butter scones and a variety of exquisite patisserie and sweet treats, all served with tea or a glass of fizz if you're feeling fancy. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Have a drink by the fire (Image: Pale Hall ) For a truly special dining experience, the hotel's Henry Robertson Dining Room is a must-visit. With its marble fireplace, ornate plaster ceilings, and chandeliers, this elegant space sets the perfect scene for a fine dining feast. As an AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star establishment, Palé Hall takes pride in delivering impeccable cuisine that celebrates the finest British and Welsh produce. The dinner menu is a testament to the culinary team's skill and creativity. Starters like pulled pork croquette with burnt apple and radish salad set the tone, while mains such as the butter-roasted chicken with jumbo white beans and grain mustard sauce showcased the kitchen's ability to balance comfort and sophistication. Desserts were just as memorable, with options like salted caramel tart and Palé Hall's signature crème brûlée. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, making the dining experience one of the highlights of our recent stay. What's nearby For the more adventurous, cold water swimming in the lake has become increasingly popular (Image: Portia Jones ) Another big selling point is that the hotel is at the doorstep of the national park and near several small villages and charming towns. Just four miles away lies Bala, a historic market town that brims with charm and opportunities for adventure. Whether you're seeking lake walks, local shopping or a taste of Welsh culture, Bala delivers. Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid, is the largest natural lake in Wales and a stunning spot to visit, especially in winter. Crisp, frosty air and snow-dusted landscapes create a serene atmosphere, ideal for scenic walks or moments of quiet reflection by the water. For the more adventurous, cold water swimming in the lake has become increasingly popular and offers a bracing way to connect with the natural world and get your wellness boost for the weekend. The Bala Lake Railway is a must-visit for history lovers and train nerds (enthusiasts). This delightful narrow-gauge railway line runs along the southern shores of Llyn Tegid, offering an enchanting hour-long journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on a retro choo-choo. Blimming marvellous. Local enthusiasts lovingly restored the line after the original Ruabon-Barmouth railway closed in the 1960s. It uses vintage locomotives that once transported slate from the region's quarries, adding a touch of historical delight to your rail adventure. If you like hiking, Bala is a gateway to some of Wales' most epic landscapes. To the west, the towering peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) offer rugged and dramatic trails, while the quieter Berwyn Mountains to the east provide a sense of wild, untouched beauty. Your next Welsh escape Driving to Palé Hall is straightforward and offers beautiful views along the way (Image: Portia Jones ) So why is Palé Hall my favourite hotel in Wales? Sure, other places might have sea-view pools and upscale thermal spas, but do they have a stuffed fox lurking in the gents' toilets or a glowing cocktail served in a treasure chest? This is luxury with bags of personality, not just another beige-coloured copy-paste five-star experience. Once you've seen one 'state-of-the-art' gym, you've basically seen them all. But Palé? It has character, a hydroelectric power plant, secret doors, telescopes, off-beat decor and staff who don't look like they just stepped out of a corporate training video. Article continues below If you're bored of bog-standard stays where the only excitement is choosing between 'standard' or 'premium' pillows, then Palé Hall is exactly the antidote. Because sometimes, what you really want from a hotel is a bit of mild eccentricity with your elegance and maybe a cocktail with light-up ice cubes. For more information visit the Pale Hall website.
North Wales Live
21 hours ago
- North Wales Live
I tested out Llandudno chippy some say is the 'best ever'
You'll find Barnacles fish and chip shop and restaurant in the centre of Llandudno. It is quite frankly in the epicentre of town, being a short walk from the railway station and North Shore, North Western Gardens ("Bog Island"), a second hand bookshop and the Premier Inn. Barnacles, which sits between The Welsh Rock & Gift Shop and a Nationwide branch on Mostyn Street, also serves very nice food. No wonder it was full when I got there this week. I had to wait a minute or two for a table to become free. I sat down near the back and checked the menu. Reviews on Tripadvisor offer a range of mainly positive opinions. One diner eulogised about the "Best fish and chips ever" while another sniffed at the supposedly "slimy" fish. Others praised the desserts, in particular the "first rate" banana split and another customer was "very pleased with the novelty cow ice cream!" Barnacles offers traditional, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan meals, with tasty sounding dishes like Homity Pie (open vegetable pie) served with chips and garnish (£11.95) and "Free & Easy" soup (choose from minestrone, pea & mint, tomato or lentil & red pepper) with a roll and butter (£5.95). Vegan dishes included Falafel & Chips served with sweet chilli, houmous and garnish (£11.95) and something called a Moving Mountain Hog Dog, which comes with a brioche roll, fried onions and chips (£13.95). I decided to be screamingly unadventurous and order the Cod Special of fish, chips and mushy peas, a slice of bread and a cup of tea. It took a little while to come, and when the slice of bread arrived it was white not brown. But then the waitress realised her mistake and offered to change it but it didn't matter. She was rushed off her feet. The fish and chips were extremely hot and well-cooked. The chips were fine and the batter was a lovely, crispy brown. The fish was soft and lustrous and the peas very mushy indeed. It was filling and hit the spot. I wanted it to have time to go down so picked a slice of carrot cake from the cabinet to take away. It was soft, sweet and delicious at home. I liked the wall coverings because the prints give a lovely depiction of the town's history. One photograph showed horse drawn carts trundling up Mostyn Street while another captured hundreds of people in Victorian or Edwardian period garb in caps and wide-brimmed hats - think The Railway Children era - lapping up a routine by long-forgotten performers in Happy Valley. So I'd recommend Barnacles if you're in town and looking for a fairly traditional lunch. It may be less busy than today. Hopefully, the food will be as tasty and reliable. I enjoyed my lunch and, judging by its popularity today, plenty of customers felt the same way. The facts Location: Barnacles, 7 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2NL. Tel. : 01492 875336. Open 11am till 8pm to catch the tea-time trade. Food: Well-cooked and hot Service: A little slow on a busy lunch-time in summer Atmosphere: Bustling and unfussy The bill: Cod Special of fish, chips, mushy peas, a slice of bread and a cup of tea: £15.95, plus carrot cake (£4) to take out.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
The Welsh town with the ‘best beach' that could rival the French Riviera
The Welsh town with the 'best beach' that could rival the French Riviera Nestled away on the Pembrokeshire coast, Tenby stuns with golden sands, charming lanes and views worthy of the Med The coastal town with it's medieval walls hits the top spot in numerous polls (Image: Getty Images ) A pretty Welsh holiday resort has been making waves as one of the UK's "best" seaside towns. With its four breath taking beaches just a stone's throw from the bustling town centre and charming cobbled lanes, Tenby is a town that could give the villages of Italy or the French Riviera a run for their money. Regularly named one of the UK's most beautiful seaside towns, Tenby is also hailed as a highly desirable place to live. The Sunday Times has even included this Pembrokeshire gem in its prestigious 'Best Places to Live' guide numerous times. The seaside town has successfully revamped its image from a hotspot for raucous stag and hen parties to a chic retreat that offers a harmonious blend of stunning scenery, golden sands, a wealth of activities and trendy eateries. Beyond its historic 13th-century walls, visitors can bask on sun-kissed beaches, take in the dramatic cliffside views across to Caldey Island, indulge in the lively pub and food scene and wander the enchanting cobbled streets while enjoying a pint or savouring local delicacies. READ MORE: Non-greasy anti-blemish SPF is a 'miracle worker' for skin protection in 25C heatwave READ MORE: Roman £48 summer dress shoppers 'absolutely love' as it fits 'perfectly' now £32 The town's vibrant houses, which offer stunning views of the picturesque harbour, are instantly recognisable. With a history that stretches back to the Norman Conquest, Tenby has been a cherished seaside resort since the Victorian times. Today, it's as famous for its narrow cobbled lanes as it is for its quintessential British seaside allure. Beach enthusiasts will love the three miles of sandy stretches surrounding the town. Castle Beach was named the UK's best beach in 2019 and currently boasts a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google. Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it's just a few steps from the town centre. North Beach is just one of four beautiful beaches in Tenby (Image: Getty Images ) Utterly spoilt for choice, Tenby has not just one but four glorious beaches to choose from. The bustling North Beach is home to the iconic Goskar rock and harbour views, while the family-friendly Harbour Beach is tucked among colourful cottages, where boat trips and sea safaris set off. Castle Beach, with golden sands and views of St Catherine's Island, is the gateway to Caldey Island, while the expansive South Beach promises classic seaside fun with its dunes and shallow waters perfect for paddling. Whichever spot you choose — North, South, Castle or Harbour — there is beauty, charm, and plenty to do. Visitors should also be aware that though North Beach can get busy on sunny days and has seasonal dog restrictions. After long days by the water, the Welsh seaside town has plenty more to offer visitors, including some highly-rated places to eat. The Billycan offers pub classics, bistro-style dishes, and a popular Sunday roast, while Tap and Tan serves locally sourced meaty feasts with craft beer to match. Other top Tenby spots include Indie Burger, Bramleys Tea Rooms and The Baytree Restaurant for seafood. For a quiet pint, the Harbwr Tenby is a hidden gem with a friendly atmosphere, on-site brewery tours, and quality pub food. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses. The seaside town regularly gets voted as one of the best in the UK (Image: Getty Images ) There are also numerous places to stay. According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B is the highest-rated accommodation in town, boasting a flawless score of 5 out of 5. Guests rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute stroll from the historic walled town of Tenby. For holidaymakers in the mood for a touch of luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is just the ticket for guests wanting to indulge during their stay. Alternatively, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offers breath taking views and complimentary tea and cake. Of course, Tenby and the surrounding area is also perfect for a self-catering stay somewhere truly unique. The Nest Brython is a cedar wood cabin complete with a hot tub that has been described as a "Beautiful place to stay and not far from a beautiful beach." Elsewhere, the The Shell at the Hideaway is a contemporary apartment just three minutes from the beach, that guests have called "absolutely perfect." The picturesque seaside gem of Tenby has been crowned the ultimate coastal hotspot for holiday fun, scoring a stellar 7.71 out of 10 in a recent study by OLBG. The Welsh town clinched the top spot based on a variety of factors including the number of pubs, eateries, museums, green spaces, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach quality, accommodation costs, Google search popularity, climate, precipitation levels and local transport links. Enthusiastic visitors have been singing Tenby's praises, with many leaving enthusiastic reviews on TripAdvisor. One holidaymaker said: "A must see in Wales. This is a pretty little town, that can match any in Cornwall!" The cobbled streets of Tenby (Image: Getty Images ) Another added: "Tenby is one of my most favourite places in the world. To me, it has it all - culture, atmosphere, friendly people, a history, beautiful and interesting architecture, wonderful views, fantastic beaches. If you want to melt away, visit this hidden little gem for yourself and see what I mean." A third was so impressed they compared it to "like being abroad" adding "Tenby is quaint and has beautiful beaches on 3 sides of the ancient walled town." Article continues below Not everyone was quiet to so impressed, however. One reviewer explained their disappointment, saying: "This town stinks of deep fried fat and spilt beer. Such a shame as it is quite nice to look at." Despite some peoples misgivings, another visitor shared their experience, saying: " It is a place of beauty, a working environment with walkways, restaurants, cobbled streets and archways, smells and sounds. I loved cobbled streets with arches of shops and curios. Well worth a visit."
