logo
Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best

Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best

The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025.
The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain".
Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best.
After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK.
These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: https://t.co/Nv1iMFVnSq pic.twitter.com/d8OOIMWYPK
The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20."
While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry."
The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are:
You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website.
Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants.
The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website.
The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint.
"Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats.
"Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce."
The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options.
"To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible.
"Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events.
"In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does."
A post shared by Y Marram (@y.marram)
The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'.
The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar.
"It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom.
"Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week.
"Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus."
A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch)
The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews.
Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales".
RECOMMENDED READING:
3 'must visit' seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales named among UK's best
'Unbelievable' North Wales restaurant with 'surprise' menu among the world's best
'Picturesque' North Wales town among UK's best for al fresco dining and pub gardens
One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant.
"My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand."
Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection.
"Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Conwy Business Key Fund Offers Support of Up to £50,000
Conwy Business Key Fund Offers Support of Up to £50,000

Business News Wales

time3 hours ago

  • Business News Wales

Conwy Business Key Fund Offers Support of Up to £50,000

Businesses in Conwy are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £50,000 as the Business Key Fund is relaunched. The £1 million fund aims to help local businesses deliver innovative, growth-focused projects that support sustainability and economic resilience in the county. Funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the scheme is being delivered through Conwy County Borough Council's Business Support team. The targeted support builds on the success of the previous Local Business Key Fund programme and focuses on enabling enterprises to overcome barriers to growth, whether through capital investment, skills development, or initiatives that promote economic impact and sustainability. One of the businesses that benefited from the fund last year is the Wild Horse Brewing Company in Llandudno. Founded in 2015 by Dave and Emma Faragher, the company is an independent brewery, specialising in craft ales and lagers. With all production done onsite, they supply over 150 pubs, restaurants, and retailers across Wales and beyond. David said: 'With support from the Supporting Local Business Key Fund, we installed a new solar energy system which now supplies over half the brewery's electricity needs. The investment is already cutting energy costs, has boosted our efficiency, and enabled us to reinvest in growth, sustainability, and local jobs here in Conwy.' Another local business that received support during the initial round is Blas ar Fwyd, a family Welsh food business that has been part of the Llanrwst high street for nearly 40 years. Nia Deiniol of the company said: 'The fund allowed us to re-open the café in Llanrwst following closure due to Covid, purchase new kitchen equipment as well as install green energy technology. Without this support we wouldn't have been able to invest in reducing our carbon footprint which has helped reduce our energy costs and secure much needed local jobs here in rural Conwy.' Councillor Nigel Smith, Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Economy, added: 'This is an exciting opportunity for businesses across Conwy to access significant funding that supports both economic development and growth and sustainability. Whether they have plans in place to expand operations or need support to give the business a boost, the Conwy Supporting Local Business Key Fund can help make it happen and by doing so contribute to the county's long-term community and economic development.' To discuss a potential project businesses should contact the Conwy Business Support team via business@

Legal Partnership to Help Hospitality Sector Reassess Covid Claims
Legal Partnership to Help Hospitality Sector Reassess Covid Claims

Business News Wales

time3 hours ago

  • Business News Wales

Legal Partnership to Help Hospitality Sector Reassess Covid Claims

Law firm Hugh James has partnered with UKHospitality to help its members access legal advice around Covid-related business interruption policies. The Cardiff-headquartered firm has already secured multiple victories for policyholders – rulings it describes as 'landmark' – and which it says open the door to reassessment for many businesses. It describes the hospitality and leisure sectors as among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with thousands of businesses faced with long closures, staff furloughs, and 'devastating' losses. Many were unable to claim on their business interruption insurance policies, but Hugh James says the rulings it has won to date mean that if a business' claim was previously denied, or never made at all, there may still be a strong case for compensation. The legal limitation period to bring claims is March 2026, but Hugh James will be closing its intake on 23 February 2026 to ensure every client's case can be properly assessed and progressed in time. The rulings Hugh James has worked on include: A High Court victory for a Michelin-starred Welsh restaurant, setting a precedent for businesses affected by closure and access restrictions. A £7.5 million arbitration win for hair and beauty salons across the UK under the 'Salon Gold' policy. A Court of Appeal judgment which clarified insurer obligations and opened the door for thousands of previously unsuccessful claims to be reassessed. The firm said: 'We've supported hundreds of clients across the hospitality and leisure sectors, from independent bars and pubs to national hotel chains and franchise gyms. Our success has come from detailed policy analysis, proactive litigation, and a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges.' A spokesperson for Why Not Bar, Cardiff, said: 'Without Hugh James, we wouldn't have known we had a valid claim. They helped us challenge the rejection, made the process stress-free, and delivered results.'

North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway
North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway

Business News Wales

time3 hours ago

  • Business News Wales

North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway

North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway The Cydnerth project, which will support the expansion of the Morlais tidal energy scheme, has moved into its construction phase, marking a major milestone for the North Wales low-carbon economy. Work has begun on-site at Parc Cybi, Holyhead, to strengthen the grid infrastructure for Morlais, a flagship tidal energy project run by local social enterprise, Menter Môn Morlais Ltd. Backed by the North Wales Growth Deal and funding from both the Welsh and UK Governments, the £16 million Cydnerth project will futureproof Morlais by increasing its grid capacity from 18MW to an eventual 240MW. Initial construction will involve the installation of underground cables to transmit clean electricity from the Morlais substation from the coast at Ynys Lawd (South Stack) to the national grid. Cllr. Gary Prichard, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Lead Member for Low Carbon Energy Programme, said: 'This is a significant milestone for Morlais and North Wales. The project can now leverage Growth Deal funding to ensure its expansion, enabling economic opportunities, strengthening local supply chains and supporting local jobs. It will ensure North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and clean electricity.' Andy Billcliff, Chief Executive of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, added: 'This is an important and welcome step toward realising the full potential of Ynys Môn's tidal resources and establishing the area as a hub for sustainable energy. The work at Parc Cybi is crucial to that goal. As a local organisation, we're committed to delivering economic benefits for our community, while safeguarding the environment. We are grateful for Growth Deal support through Ambition North Wales which is essential as we progress Morlais.' North Wales-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has secured the contract for the construction and cabling work for Cydnerth. Contracts Director for Jones Bros, Eryl Roberts, added: 'We're pleased to have been appointed to deliver Cydnerth, the next phase of infrastructure for Morlais, such an innovative renewable scheme right here on our doorstep here in North Wales. As with all our projects, we pride ourselves in providing local supply chain and employment opportunities and are excited to be working on site to deliver this important scheme.' Cydnerth is part of the North Wales Growth Deal's Low Carbon Energy Programme, which represents a £1 billion investment in the region's economy, with £240 million of this funded jointly by the Welsh and UK Governments. Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: 'The start of construction on the Cydnerth project represents another major milestone in North Wales' journey to becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. Backed by Welsh Government funding through the North Wales Growth Deal, this will unlock the full potential of Morlais tidal energy and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the low-carbon transition. 'By increasing grid capacity from 18MW to 240MW, we're not just supporting clean energy generation – we're creating lasting economic opportunities and high-quality jobs for local communities.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It is great news that this major infrastructure project in Holyhead is now underway. The Cydnerth project helps cement North Wales's growing reputation as a clean energy hub. 'I'm delighted that UK Government funding is supporting the project and helping us deliver our clean energy and economic growth missions.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store