Latest news with #BrynWilliams
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Wales Online
Beachfront restaurant in Wales named in UK top 100 list
Beachfront restaurant in Wales named in UK top 100 list The list is generated from over 800,000 reviews from verified OpenTable diners and dining metrics Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias (Image: ) A Welsh restaurant has landed a spot on the UK's top 100 list for outdoor dining, thanks to its stellar reviews. Booking platform OpenTable has just unveiled their 2025 roundup, featuring a Welsh gem among the best spots for al fresco meals. The latest rankings draw from over 800,000 verified diner reviews and various dining metrics collected between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. To make the grade, restaurants needed a substantial number of diner reviews and were assessed based on a range of data points. These included diner ratings, the proportion of five-star feedback, alert settings, advance reservation percentages, seating capacity utilisation, and direct search frequency. After crunching the numbers for an overall score, only those with outdoor dining facilities were shortlisted. Making the prestigious list is Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, helmed by the celebrated TV chef and nestled beside the picturesque sandy shores of Colwyn Bay. Boasting an outdoor terrace, the restaurant offers diners a quasi-maritime experience, complemented by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. With a commendable 4.7 out of 5 rating on OpenTable, amassed from nearly 4,000 reviews, the venue is a hit among patrons, reports North Wales Live. Its huge expansive windows offer a great spot to watch the sunset (Image: Daily Post Wales ) Article continues below For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Recent testimonials heap praise on the establishment, with one diner exclaiming: "Beautiful location- what a view. Endless sandy beaches and blue sky." Another review echoes this saying: "A wonderful meal in a beautiful setting." Article continues below OpenTable described the establishment with praise: "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."
North Wales Chronicle
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
I had breakfast at one of the North Wales restaurants people love the most
The restaurant, ideally situated on Colwyn Bay's seafront, regularly features in lists of the top places to eat in Wales and the UK. 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.
Leader Live
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
REVIEW: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay
The restaurant, ideally situated on Colwyn Bay's seafront, regularly features in lists of the top places to eat in Wales and the UK. 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.
North Wales Live
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Beach front restaurant in North Wales named on UK top 100 list
A restaurant in North Wales has made a UK top 100 list based on its fantastic reviews. OpenTable publishes an annual list of the best places in the UK for outdoor dining. They have just released their 2025 version - with one place in North Wales making the cut. The current list is generated from over 800,000 reviews from verified OpenTable diners and dining metrics from 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025. Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated by a compilation of unique data points, including diner ratings, the percentage of five star reviews, the number of alerts set, the percentage of reservations made in advance, percentage of capacity and direct searches. Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score. The qualified restaurants were then filtered by having outdoor dining. The North Wales restaurant making the cut is Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. Run by the popular TV chef it is situated right next to Colwyn Bay 's stunning Med-like sandy beach. It has an outdoor terrace for dining although with its floor to ceiling windows there is a feeling is being on the sea even inside the eating place. On Opentable Bryn's has a 4.7 (out of 5) rating with nearly 4,000 reviews. One recent review said: "Beautiful location- what a view. Endless sandy beaches and blue sky." Another added: "A wonderful meal in a beautiful setting." Opentable said: "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."
