The Towpath Inn - Gilwern

We booked this restaurant based on their website and a review on Happy Cow. We even booked accommodation nearby just to dine here. The menu had many meat options but also some vegetarian dishes. However, it was clear that most items contained animal products like gelatin or butter. Our server, a cocky American guy, was not knowledgeable about vegetarian options. When my vegetarian partner asked about the cheese, he couldn't confirm if it was suitable. The dishes we ordered, Savoy cauliflower and cauliflower cheese, were undercooked and cold, so we sent them back. The service was lacking and we left hungry. It seems the staff were unaware of dietary restrictions, as one family with a garlic allergy had issues. We encountered similar problems as other diners, with incorrect orders and allergen mix-ups. Overall, our experience was disappointing and we wouldn't recommend this restaurant to vegetarians or vegans.

If you're traveling along the Brecon Monmouthshire Canal, it's worth stopping at the towpath. In spring 2022, the menu includes a variety of vegan and vegetarian options such as flatbread with grilled broccoli, mandel and chili; risotto with wild garlic and broom; broad beans hummus with celery; and new potatoes with dill and butter. Vegans should mention their dietary preferences to ensure no cheese or egg yolk ends up on their plate. Lastly, I came across a TripAdvisor review describing the small plates as "English tapas", but I would argue that they are more akin to Welsh tapas. "Tapoedd", anyone?

We decided to dine at this restaurant based on their website and a review on Happy Cow. We even chose our accommodation for the night based on its proximity to the restaurant. The menu featured a variety of meat dishes as well as some vegetable options, but we soon realized that most of the vegetarian dishes contained cheese, cream, or butter. Our server, a young American man who was overly confident, was unable to answer our questions about the vegetarian options. My partner, who is vegetarian, asked if the cheeses in the dishes were vegetarian, to which he replied that they were all vegetarian with no meat. This raised some concerns, as he seemed unaware of what makes a cheese vegetarian. We ordered two dishes, Savoy cabbage and Cauliflower cheese, but they were undercooked and cold. The staff seemed confused when we returned the dishes. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. There was also a family dining nearby who were frustrated because the grandfather had an allergy to garlic and onions, yet the staff didn't seem to take it seriously despite being informed when booking. We left the restaurant hungry that night. It is evident that the waiting staff, the owner, and even the chef are not knowledgeable about vegetarian and vegan options. For vegans, it's best to avoid this place. Vegetarians should be prepared for pretentious, undercooked, and cold food with uncertain cheese ingredients. The next morning at our accommodation, we learned that three other couples, all meat eaters, had similar issues at the restaurant. Some received incorrect dishes, and one had a nut allergy but found nuts in their meal. It's unfortunate that multiple tables experienced problems in just one evening.

I have enjoyed the street food at The Towpath on many occasions, with the pizza marinara being a particular favorite. However, my recent experience trying the pub's own short menu was a pleasant surprise. The wild garlic sauce and preserved lemons left a lasting impression on my taste buds. The restaurant specializes in locally sourced and seasonal dishes, so be sure to check the current menu to avoid disappointment. The wine list is impressive, featuring a viognier from the Loire. The beers from Felinfoel of Llanelli are also worth a try, with options like Double Dragon and IPA. The music playing in the background is eclectic and curated by the chef, ranging from contemporary New Orleans bands to jazz rapper Guru. The location of The Towpath, right by the Brecon Monmouthshire canal, makes it a convenient stop for travelers. The SPRING 2022 MENU offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, including risotto with wild garlic and peas and new potatoes with dill and butter. Be sure to inform the chef if you are vegan to avoid any accidental additions of cheese or egg yolk. Overall, The Towpath offers a unique dining experience with a Welsh twist, not 'English tapas' as one review described. Tapoedd, anyone?

I can't stop thinking about the amazing meal I had at The Towpath Inn! The food was delicious and it was obvious that a lot of thought went into the menu. Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted incredible. There were plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, which was a refreshing change from many other places I've dined at over the past 20 years. The restaurant had a cozy and warm atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I have to respectfully disagree with a negative review I saw below - cheese can indeed be vegetarian, and when I asked about it on the day, the staff quickly addressed my concerns. Thank you to The Towpath Inn for a fantastic meal, I will definitely be returning!