Sometimes as parents you need to a take a little time out for yourselves. Simply getting away for an hour two and having an adult conversation can help you connect with each other again, even if you inevitably end up talking about your little one (or in our case work!). No matter how much you love your kids having some one to one time with your other half can be blinking lovely! Whether you chose to go for a meal out, spend some time taking a walk on the beach or even enjoy a cinema date together (or not so much talking there) you’ll feel a lot better after it.
Me and Jon have been trying to at least get a date night in once a month if we can, although sometimes we just don’t find the time. On this occasion we were very lucky to be invited to the beautiful Gliffaes Country House Hotel in the Brecon Beacons to test out their summer menu. We had never heard of the hotel before but a quick google showed us it was a stunning old Manor House nestled right in the middle of the black mountains, it looked beautiful and perfect for our date night.
So after dropping the little dude off with his Nanna and Grandpa me and Jon hopped in the car, popped on some music from our youth (The Killers Hot Fuss CD) and set off for a picturesque drive up the A465 and across the Brecon Beacons. Every time we make a drive like this me and Jon are always reminded why we are so lucky to live in Wales, it really is a beautiful country and I think we often forget that. Getting to the hotel is a little tricky and does involve some small winding country lanes, but we are more than used to that, and once we reached Gliffaes the views from the bar alone were breathtaking.
The venue is very traditional, exactly what you expect of an old country house, antiques and old painting fill the rooms and the whole place has an air of history. Ok so it’s not going to suit everyones tastes (it’s the perfect place to take your mum and grandma for a mothers day treat though!!) but in all honesty we weren’t really there for the decor, on this occasion we were interested in the food produced by Head Chef Karl Cheetham.
The food was exquisite, probably some of the highest quality food me and Jon have had the pleasure of eating. I mean look how stunning it all is! I am definitely someone who eats with her eyes first so am always super impressed when meals are so beautifully plated up (yes, I’m a Master Chef addict too!) although Jon isn’t so much of a fan as he likes a big plate of food (typical man) and to feel full after a meal out. Even though the portions look small, Jon actually came away after 3 courses saying how much he had loved the food and wasn’t still hungry in the slightest.
Now you’ve seen some pictures heres what we ate:
Starters
- Soup of the Day which was Tomato and Basil with a Cheese Crostini
- Smoked Pork Rillette with Rhubarb and Sage Raviolli
Mains
- Best End of New Season Lamb with Rosemary & Lemon Polenta, Pickled Mushrooms, Pea & Beetroot
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Trio of Guinea Fowl (Confit, Supreme, Pancake) with Gorgonzola Cheese, Aubergine, Seaweed and Pesto Velouté
Dessert
- Summer Berry Cheesecake
- Trio of Fresh Ice Cream
Every dish we had was delicious! I love being able to visit places like this and try out new food or taste combinations I have never had before. I’m pretty adventurous with my tastes so was super excited about the whole menu (which you can find here). The quality on the food was beautiful and the ingredients were fresh and beautifully cooked.
If your looking for somewhere to visit in Wales for a special occasion meal or afternoon tea (or even a wedding or party) I would whole heartedly recommend Gliffaes Country House, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a bit on the pricey side but you can see why when the food is of such a high standard. The perfect place for a wedding anniversary or special birthday treat. Plus you could always stay the night and enjoy the grounds too.
Thank you Gliffaes Country House Hotel for inviting us to dine with you, and we hope we can do it again soon!
If you have any suggestion for a great date night location in South Wales please let us know as we would love to get out and about some more.
*We were provide with a complimentary meal in exchange for an honest review*