Y Branwen - Gwynedd

Lovely meal with excellent ingredients, well thought out options

I chanced upon Y Branwen by accident during a visit to Harlech. I wondered if they served lunch but as it is primarily a Hotel they only have Dinner available to those, other than residents. I queried their menu which was displayed outside and both the Duty Manager and the receptionist assured me that they try very hard to accomodate vegans. Notably, the menu uses 'V ' to mean Vegan which is unusual. One of the Sous Chefs is a Vegan and the Head Chef is sympathetic so they are hoping to broaden their vegan offerings. I cannot review the actual food, but they have very good reviews on the web.

Before we had got through the front door we were approached by the proprietor with one of his large dogs in a far from welcoming and unfriendly manner. He told us that they do not serve food to our grandchildren. We said that we knew but only wanted drinks. He rudely accused us of being rude. Sadly we proceeded to order a round of excessively expensive drinks. The bar was unheated and cold. We were the only customers. He repeated his false accusation of our rudeness. They present themselves as a "dog friendly "establishment. Be aware that the same welcome is not given to paying customers, especially families with young children. We will not be going there again. Avoid it.

I’d almost recommend a visit here, just to experience the place. It is surreal. Kafka esque. The prices are ferocious but perhaps that’s because the staff are actually actors, involved in some form of live performance art. The vibe, straight from the get go, is “come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough”. Now, if you do visit, wear a coat; because the bar is like a cold meat storage facility. Tantalisingly, there is a wood burning fire at one end, surrounded by firewood. But, alas, it remained unlit, sitting darkly in the gloom of a room where the curtains were drawn shut at 5pm. Children are not favoured here that was made explicit to us even before we entered. Not permitted to eat. Thankfully, judging by other reviews, we were not there to dine. But adults are not much more welcome. Dogs, on the other hand, are lauded. If you have a dog, definitely bring it to this bar. But take yourself for a drink to the Queen’s Hotel, I would say, and pick it up later.

What a disappointment. I have no issue with places being kid free for dining. I do however have an issue with staff being outright rude to me and my family when simply dropping in for a quick bar drink. It’s totally unnecessary and as local people, we will not be returning. Shame, as it’s a great location and we would have loved to support the business.