I had breakfast at one of the North Wales restaurants people love the most
Most recently it was named in the OpenTable top 100 places in the UK for outdoor dining, a list compiled from customer reviews.
TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias.
On OpenTable, the Porth Eirias restaurant has a 4.7 (out of 5) rating with nearly 4,000 reviews.
I was aware of Bryn Williams having followed his career.
Bryn, a former Coleg Llandrillo student originally from Denbigh, has gone on to have incredible success after he appeared on the Great British Menu in 2006.
Williams worked for Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche in Mayfair between 1999 and 2003, starting out as a demi chef he honed his craft and graduated to sous chef before becoming Chef Patron of his very first restaurant, Odette's in 2008.
As he opened more restaurants, as well as marrying Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri, it was only a matter of time before he returned home to North Wales when he launched Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay in 2015.
TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias.
And it was there I found myself on a Sunday morning as Colwyn Bay was gearing up to celebrate Pride.
OpenTable describes Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias thus: "This big open space with its easy, informal mood has an open kitchen where Bryn's team of chefs turn simple, local, seasonal ingredients into extraordinary bistro-style food. Menus are served all day by interesting people who really understand food, and there are no rules, so you can do what you like: tuck into breakfast, graze over small plates at the bar, share a Sunday feast with family, watch the sun go down with friends. Good times with good people, and no distance between you and the beach."
The space is very impressive, classy decor, lots of natural light from the large windows with spectacular views of the sand and sea, and an open kitchen where the dishes are prepared.
TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias.
Seafood takes centre stage on the menu from prawns, cod to mussels, but the breakfast menu is more traditional yet equally tantalising.
It was a busy day; I was one of the first customers to arrive but there were only a couple of tables unreserved. I would definitely recommend making a booking if you plan to eat there.
Despite this, the ambiance was chilled, and the staff were friendly and attentive. And, for some reason, dressed in a combo of white shirts and denim, a look that brought to mind George Michael in the 80s.
I know you can't go wrong with a traditional cooked breakfast, and I am certain the one served at Porth Eirias is top notch. However, I was in the mood for something different and opted for the muesli, soaked oats, yogurt, and apple, as well as Eggs Royale.
The muesli with soaked oats was delightful. The flavours and textures of a dessert while your mind can be tricked into thinking you've gone for the healthy option. The yoghurt gave a delicious tang while the fruit delivered a chewy sweetness that gave the dish substance.
TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias.
Next was Eggs Royale, essentially Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon in place of ham.
This dish, again, was excellent. It must be said that the price is double what you would pay in Wetherspoons for a similar dish. But the word similar is doing a lot of heavy lifting in the previous sentence; if you want something familiar, yet prepared with the best ingredients and utmost skill, then this is a treat worth splashing out on. Not to mention that the location, with stunning views of the coastline, that, on a sunny day, are worth every penny.
TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias.
I am a recent convert to poached eggs and these were the best I have had, with thick, luxurious yolks that combined with the rich Hollandaise. With the silky smoked salmon delivering saltiness and texture to the mix, this was a dish that, while humble, felt indulgent.
I will be returning to Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias as I think I've only scratched the surface of what is on offer.
It would be nice to try the restaurants famous seafood and other specialities like afternoon tea, and the Porth Eirias fish pie for two sounds delightful if anyone would like to join me.
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Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The best restaurants across the UK with outdoor seating so you can eat al fresco in the sunshine
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The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
The best restaurants across the UK with outdoor seating so you can eat al fresco in the sunshine
WITH temperatures hotting up again, you might be thinking of where you can dine al fresco. You certainly wouldn't be the only one dreaming of a glass of wine (or whatever you like to drink) and some good food outside in the sunshine. 12 12 12 And with the weather expected to stay balmy all week, there's plenty of opportunity for that. But it can be hard to work out which restaurants near you have outdoor seating. That's why we've asked experts at OpenTable to put together this guide with the top restaurants across the country with outdoor dining. It's based on which restaurants have the top reviews AND can offer outdoor seating - so you know you'll be getting a good meal as well as enjoying the sunshine. We've listed the top picks for each area (based on the highest review score) and there's also a full list of 43 restaurants if you scroll down... 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Yorkshire - Stefano's Pizza Head to Harrogate and you'll find an authentic Italian pizzeria serving up traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas. Stefano's Pizza uses a wood-fired pizza oven to cook its tasty dishes. They include the Mortadella pizza which comes with fior de latte mozzarella, mortadella ham, stracciatella cheese and pistachio. Then there's also the Diavola, the Capricciosa, and the spicy Nduja pizzas. One reviewer said you'd be "hard pushed to find better anywhere". Another raved: "This is my new favourite place for pizza. You won't be disappointed." Edinburgh - Bucks Bar Bucks Bar Grindlay Street claims to have "the best free range buttermilk fried chicken you've ever tasted". And if the reviews are anything to go by, its customers agree. One person said: "Honestly no matter what bucks you go to the service is always top notch, food is always great honestly one of the best restaurants out there." The restaurant describes itself as a rock'n'roll bar serving up buttermilk fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, cocktails, beers and Bourbon. Plus, its menu is also famous for its wings and its chicken and waffles. Cornwall - Argoe Expect super-fresh seafood from harbour-side restaurant Argoe. It's set in Newlyn, a lively fishing hub, and takes inspiration from European coastal cooking while using regional ingredients. Dishes like hand-dived scallops, monkfish and grilled octopus are cooked on the restaurant 's charcoal grill. Plus there's a big selection of wines and Cornish spirits. Reviewers say you get "fresh fish caught by the boats you can see from the restaurant and beautifully cooked by attentive staff". One person even said it was some of the best food they'd eaten in a long time. Kent - Sotirio's Bar and Restaurant 12 This Folkestone gem offers up Greek food by the seaside. It's earned a huge 4.9 out of 5 stars on OpenTable, with reviewers praising its "amazing" food. There's a meze option that comes with baklava and ice cream for dessert, or you can opt for main dishes like moussaka, racks of lamb and souvlaki. One reviewer said: "I couldn't recommend Sotirios enough! The host's, service and food were all outstanding. "The food is definitely made with passion and love! Will definitely be visiting again." Newcastle - The Broad Chare 12 It says a lot about The Broad Chare that it was immediately awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand when it opened in 2011. It's kept the award every year since in recognition of its "good quality, good value cooking" - which is traditional gastropub fare, done well. The gastropub has standout dishes like haggis on toast, crispy duck leg, grilled butcher's steak and a ground rump steak burger. Reviewers praise its "first class food and friendly service". One repeat customer said: "We have been a number of times and it always delivers a great experience." Norfolk - The Lodge at Salhouse This family-run pub is set inside a charming 19th century vicarage which has recently been renovated. It's surrounded by the picturesque Norfolk Broads - meaning you can work up an appetite on a long walk before your meal. Among the delights on its menu are pan roasted honey duck breast with garlic fondant potatoes, a Spanish-style pork mix grill, and golden beer battered fillet of haddock with beef dripping homecut chips. Customers say it's "perfect in every way" and "always a pleasure" to visit. One recent visitor said: "This was our first time here and WOW the food was outstanding!!!! Shall definitely be revisiting." Full list of top restaurants with outdoor dining London: Ognisko El Pirata of Mayfair Frederick's Marcus Kitchen & Bar Scott's Mayfair Glasgow: Bucks Bar West KELP Mharsanta Gael & Grain The Prancing Stag Manchester: Albert's Standish BAR SAN JUAN Piccolino Caffe Grande Manchester Hawksmoor Manchester 20 Stories Restaurant Yorkshire: Lucia – York The Star Inn The City Devour Vivido Bar & Restaurant Stefano's Pizza Edinburgh: Angels with Bagpipes Down the Hatch Edinburgh - Bucks Bar Grindlay Street Ardnamurchan Cornwall: Argoe Beach House Falmouth Porthminster Beach Cafe The Longstore, Charlestown The Tartan Fox by Adam Handling Kent: Land + Sea Rocksalt Sotirio's Bar and Restaurant The Fordwich Arms Restaurant Turkuaz Newcastle/Northumberland: Blackfriars Restaurant Jolly Fisherman at Craster The Broad Chare The Potted Lobster Norfolk: The Dun Cow The Lodge at Salhouse The Pigs Edgefield The White Horse - Brancaster Staithe White Horse, Holme-next-the-Sea
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish city restaurant that was named 'top outdoor dining' destination
"Absolutely faultless service, divine food and great outdoor seating." Scotland is home to countless world-class restaurants. However, given the country's famously unpredictable weather, it should come as no shock that many only offer indoor seating. With the end of summer in sight, time is running out to enjoy some al fresco dining before the temperatures drop. Fortunately, there are a lot of renowned eateries that actually do have seating outside. As reported by the Daily Record, the "best outdoor dining restaurants" in Scotland were named earlier this year. Food experts at OpenTable shared a list of the top 100 outdoor eateries across the UK. Among the restaurants that were included on the experts' list is KELP in Glasgow. The restaurant, which is located on the city's Cowcaddens Road, specialises in fresh and sustainably sourced seafood. KELP sources its unique and artisan products from the Highlands and Islands. Almost every type of seafood on the restaurant's menu originates from a different destination in Scotland, with its trout netted in Tobermory and its langoustines caught off the shore of Skye. The restaurant offers both an a la carte and a market menu, with the latter including two dishes and a side for £24.95. Dishes include squid tostada with pumpkin seed salsa macha and radish, Isle of Skye landed langoustines with bearnaise butter and grilled lemon, and Orkney crab doughnut with brown crab emulsion, chilli, and sesame. KELP also has a bar where customers can enjoy a quiet drink. It serves a wide selection of beverages, from wine and cocktails to beers and spirits—as well as a large selection of whisky. Meanwhile, the restaurant's outdoor seating area is comprised of a spacious terrace. The space benefits from plants that provide an idyllic backdrop, while soft lighting gives it an intimate atmosphere in the evening. Reservations at KELP are available between 12pm and 9pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Tables can also be booked between 3pm and 9pm on Sundays, while the restaurant is closed on Mondays. OpenTable stated: "KELP offers a charming outdoor dining experience on its shaded garden patio, a peaceful city oasis that is perfect for enjoying the fresh Glasgow air and a chilled bottle of rosé on warm days. "The restaurant focuses on Scottish, sustainably sourced seafood and locally supplied ingredients, delivering fresh, high-quality dishes in a relaxed setting." In addition to being named one of the UK's top outdoor dining destinations, KELP has also received rave reviews from customers. On Google, the restaurant has a rating of 4.7 out of five after 417 reviews. One customer wrote: "Absolutely faultless service, divine food and great outdoor seating. We visited as part of a weekend away and enjoyed three dishes each. Hard recommend on the monkfish." A second shared: "Little oasis in the centre of Glasgow, the food is contemporary Scottish seafood. There is indoor seating and outdoor bench tables." Other Glasgow eateries to be named among the "best outdoor dining restaurants" in Scotland include The Prancing Stag, Bucks Bar, and Ardnamurchan. Elsewhere, Angels with Bagpipes in Edinburgh also made the list. More information can be found on the KELP website. Meanwhile, the full list of the top 100 restaurants for outdoor dining can be found on the OpenTable website.
