01-08-2025
TASTE TEST: Harley's in Meliden
Last month, Harley's in Meliden was awarded a 1 out of 5 rating by the Food Standards Agency, following an inspection on June 12.
It came two years after a rating of 4 in June, 2023.
From word-of-mouth, I knew that Harley's was a very popular destination for many people.
Inside Harley's in Meliden.
Hygiene ratings do no reflect on the quality of the food served, it is concerned with cleanliness, hygiene, and food management, but I was keen to find out for myself.
So I visited for breakfast.
Often described as a "hidden gem," Harley's is tucked away on the Craig Fawr Industrial Estate on Meliden Road.
Harley's in Meliden.
The site gives in a truck stop vibe, but on entering I found a cosy cafe that was homely, clean, and welcoming.
I certainly had no qualms about eating there.
I was given a friendly greeting and a menu and chose my table.
In the interest of a thorough review, I ordered two breakfast dishes (don't judge me!).
First came Eggs Royale, which is essentially Eggs Benedict of Florentine with smoked salmon replacing the ham or spinach.
Eggs Royale at Harley's in Meliden.
My first impression was wow, the presentation of the dish was very good. Was I really in a small cafe on an industrial estate in North Wales?
Earlier in the summer, I'd had the same dish at the lauded Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay. It terms of presentation, Harley's compared more than favourably.
In quality too, the eggs were perfectly poached with runny yolks and the muffins were the perfect combination of crunch and fluffiness.
Hash browns.
I also added a side of hash browns on the recommendation of one of the staff members. I was glad I did. Similar in size to McDonald's hash browns, but far less greasy. They were golden and crunchy, a far cry from the anaemic stodge that passes as hash browns elsewhere.
I would recommend giving them a try.
This was a very good start indeed.
I also ordered the American pancake stack. Initially I went for a more dessert option with fresh fruit and cream but at the last minute switched to the classic USA combo of bacon and maple syrup.
The pancakes were huge, twice the size of others I've had, with a homemade quality.
Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup at Harley's.
The bacon was not the crispy American-style variety that is almost used as a garnish across the Atlantic.
Atop my generous stack of pancakes was a equally generous helping of good old British back bacon.
I missed the crispy snap of American-style bacon, but the bacon was thick and gave the salty, umami hit that this dish needs to cut through the sweetness of the syrup.
Coffee.
My one regret is that I had consumed too much food. In most cafes it wouldn't have been a problem, but the portions at Harley's are very generous. I would happily return to try some of the other menu items (one at a time!).
On Tripadvisor, Harley's has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews.
eileenprice445: "Been to Harleys a couple of times for an outstanding breakfast. Light bite menu varied and all locally sourced.
"Took the opportunity to book a recent one off roast menu. Absolutely outstanding. Has to be the best available around."
Chris E: "Spot on breakfast, great value, brilliant service, food cooked to perfection, and well priced. Well worth the effort to find it."
Ashlea: "Hidden gem! Just had the most lovely family breakfast at Harley's. Would highly reccommend if close by. Staff were friendly and food was yummy!"
Alan Dawson: "Spot on. Excellent food, service, surroundings and price. A really enjoyable meal. Difficult to see how they could make it any better. Plus parking right outside the door."
The scheme helps people choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them clear information about businesses' hygiene standards.
Run the scheme in partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so customers make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.
5 – hygiene standards are very good
4 – hygiene standards are good
3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory
2 – some improvement is necessary
1 – major improvement is necessary
0 – urgent improvement is required
To sum up, the food served at Harley's is fresh, well-presented, and very tasty.
The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and it was clear that many of the diners that day were regular customers. Always a good sign.
With the enthusiasm and care going into the presentation food, I'm sure that the current low rating will be improved when it is inspected again.
