Yesterday we visited Ogmore Castle. The castle dates from about 1116. It’s pretty unusual as it is low-lying and right next to the river Ogmore. There is a moat that apparently used to fill at high tide (the River Ogmore is tidal here). Not much remains of the castle now but it’s still worth a visit.
places to eat
Lunch at the Newbridge Inn, near Usk
We went a bit further afield today to the Newbridge Inn in Tredunnock, near Usk (map). The Newbridge Inn is a pub / restaurant and hotel owned by Chris Evans of Radio and TV fame. The head-chef is Iain Sampson. We had booked for lunch, but there wasn’t any need as it was very quiet. It’s in an ideal location right next to a wonderful bridge over the River Usk.
Signor Valentino’s Restaurant, Cardiff Bay
We had a great meal in Cardiff Bay last night in Signor Valentino. The restaurant is a very good Italian with great food and good Italian service from what appear to be native Italians. Though some of my colleagues had suspicions that some of the waiters originated from Splott 🙂
We were lucky to have an excellent evening with a clear, sunny view over the Bay. The restaurant had their big doors open and some of the tables were located out on the veranda. Even on our large table inside we had a great view of the Bay across to Penarth. You couldn’t fault it. One of my friends suggested that it reminded him of being in Monterey. Impressive!
Thoroughly recommended. Make sure you book – tel. no. 029 2048 2007
Demiro’s Restaurant in Cardiff Bay
We had a very nice lunch in Cardiff Bay this week. The restaurant is called Demiro’s. It’s located in the Mermaid Quay complex just across the Oval Basin from the Millennium Centre. We normally grab lunch in Coffee Mania but decided to try somewhere new. I’m normally put off by the bigger restaurants in Cardiff Bay for lunch because of the price, but now most of them do cheaper lunchtime express menus. They’re obviously aimed at the office workers who work in the nearby Welsh Assembly and Atradius.
The food is a mixture of styles based around Mediterranean. We had a good sized meal each and drinks for £15 for two. Service was good without being too attentive.
Thoroughly recommended for lunch.
Fairy Hill Hotel, Gower
Quite an interesting review of the Fairy Hill Hotel and Restaurant near Reynoldston on the Gower from late last year.
It’s a couple of years since we last had a meal there and we thought the same, good but not mind-blowing. The restaurant has a huge reputation and I guess that it’s always hard to live up to expectations.
The Foxhunter sounds like it’s worth a visit though.
We found that the beach at nearby Port Eynon is a good place to walk off your meal afterwards!
Bar Meal in the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge
A few days ago I met up with some old school friends from Cowbridge in the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge. I was early and had missed the earlier opportunity of a free meal in Cardiff so I decided to go for a bar meal while I waited for my friends. I decided to go for the Cajun Salmon from the daily specials menu. The meal was excellent – the salmon was cooked to perfection and the Cajun spices and sauce wasn’t too over the top. The meal cost close to £9. With a couple of pints of the Bear’s special real ale the evening went down a treat!!! Not so sure about the friends though. 🙂