IOLO GRIFFITHS dined at Maenan Abbey and was suitably
impressed with the starter, main course and car park!
AS WE approached Maenan Abbey we noticed there were few spaces
in the sizeable car park, which was already a promising sign.
The hotel’s reception area conveyed a sense of gentility,
with the paintings, shields and a central staircase. Just what may be expected of a house once belonging to a noble family.
While we waited a waiter gave us the menu for us to peruse.
There was a choice of about five starters and six main courses.
We both decided on the ogen melon for the starter.
The main courses included Welsh black beef and Anglesey lamb, which certainly suggests support for local producers. I chose the beef while my wife went for the lamb.
After a short while we were ushered to our table
and saw that the wallpaper was a terracotta and gold colour, and the curtains were gold. The napkins
on the tables matched the curtains and the overall atmosphere was that of genteel opulence, heightened by the piano music
playing in the background.
The melon when it came resembled half a small galia melon,
with pieces of plum, strawberry and kiwi fruit, and topped with a blackcurrant sorbet. Perfect!
After we had cleared our starters we had only a short time
to wait for our main courses. The slices of meat were on a bed of mashed potatoes, and my beef was accompanied by a Yorkshire
pudding.
The accompanying vegetables were carrots, broccoli, boiled
potatoes and small cubes of roast potatoes, on small dishes. The roast potatoes had a herby flavour, perhaps chives, and this
unusual flavour added to the enjoyment of our meal.
We both agreed that we had made good choices and the helpings
were quite generous, so there was no complaint about the food.
The only gripe that could be made was that the room could
have done with a fan (but it was a very hot day, so it was warm even with the windows open).
After we had finished our main course the waiter came along
with the desserts menu.
Sometimes waiters tell you verbally what is on offer, which
is a test of memory and attention, but this was much less of a test, although when there is such a choice of temptations trying
to decide between Baileys toffee meringue, dark chocolate mousse, mulled wine cheesecake, and chocolate and mandarin ganache,
among other delights, is still a feat in itself.
My wife chose the mulled wine cheesecake, while I chose the
chocolate and mandarin ganache.
The desserts came on a cheesecake base that seemed to be
homemade, and were delicious. The slightly icy ice cream on top was the only trifling complaint.
The meals were finished off with coffee, again included in
the cost.
Sunday lunch at the Maenan Abbey might not be cheap but the
quality and quantity certainly justifies the price.
Maenan Abbey, Maenan, Llanrwst. Tel: 01492 660247.
