Those of you who know me will be aware that I like to get away for overnight stays, one day or maybe two, just to break up the monotony of being in a single location, (I've been a bit of a nomad for much of my life) but also to further my knowledge and understanding of what the country has to offer in the way of food and drink and what opportunities exist.
And to kick off the 2023 year I've come to Lampeter!
Of course one thing that strikes me when first arriving in Lampeter, is that it's not very big. Consisting primarily of two main shopping streets the 'coffee culture' is strong with circa 5/6 coffee shops all within close proximity. But I'm not here to sample coffees...I'm in Lampeter to sample the food delights of The Black Lion (Royal) Hotel, to meet the new Chef Richard Simpson and have a relaxing overnight stay with no pressures of the day to day routine back in Swansea. I find The Black Lion Hotel easily enough, slap bang in the middle of the High Street...already an excellent start if you fancy strolling the two main streets to see what's on offer.
I have to say that the welcome is very warm, from the entire team and those I recall most are Ceri, Dee, Ashleigh who must have walked 100 miles the evening of my stay, Jim, and of course Chef Richard.
Richard tells me that he's previously worked in London, Malta, and France before returning to the area. His previous immediate role was that of Sous Chef at the two rossette Mansion House, Llansteffan. From my conversation with chef he clearly knows his stuff and I sense an itching to get more and more creative. Having only been in situ for less than a month he's wise enough to understand that he needs to build up a reputation within the local community...and that means not becoming too creative too soon. Is Lampeter ready for creative?
On first glance you'd expect the Hotel and Restaurant interior to be 'oldie worldie', but to my complete surprise the refurbishment is fabulously tasteful and comfortable. There are about 80 covers split between the main restaurant and the bar/lounge area and it works really well for customers. I think for the staff their fit bits will tell them differently at the end of the evening, but what great exercise!
And on to the food... The Black Lion offers a good gastro pub menu including a good range of starters from Shakshua, Smoky Salmon Tartare, Baked Camembert, Crispy Pork Belly, and Tempura Battered Tenderstems with a Chilli Sauce, and more...
Saving myself for the mains course, which I knew would be filling, I went for the Tempura Battered Tenderstems...and they were delicious. Tenderstems perfectly cooked and the batter was very light and crispy as it should be.
Turning to the Mains my choice was Coq au Vin, Meatballs in rich Tomato Sauce served with Linguine, Slow Cooked Beef Short Rib, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Traditional Welsh Faggots, Beef Shin Lasagne and Pork & Leek Bangers & Mash. To be totally honest, I spent quite a time trying to decide, such was the temptation, for different reasons, in each of the dishes. I haven't had Coq au Vin for many years, and I was eager to sample Richard's French influence, Traditional Faggots are a favourite, and who can't resist Fish & Chips and Bangers & Mash!? There are of course the usual steaks and burgers but personally whilst I understand the demand for burgers, for me they are two a penny. As it was, I went for a dish I wouldn't normally order – Slow Cooked Beef Short Rib, which came with Mushrooms, Crispy Panchetta and a bed of Sweet Potato mash. It was excellent. The beef just dropped off the rib as it should, and it was such a generous portion I wondered if I'd get through it. I persevered without hardship as every mouthful was a delight!
When it came to desserts, I have to confess...I forgot to take an image of the menu. What I can tell you that Pannacotta is a personal favourite of mine and I expected it to be the classic small inverted dish shape, but you can see from the image that it was clearly much more substantial – substantial and delicious! By the end of the meal I was more than replete and certainly very relaxed!
So how did I rate the meal? Highly and not only will I return for the Lampeter Food Festival in July but I'll return to the Black Lion time and time again. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how Richard's menus evolve and how the local customers take to the new look for the hotel restaurant.
I must also comment on the hotel itself and the service experience. I'm a big advocate of great service and the service here at the Black Lion Hotel was nothing short of excellent. The staff couldn't do enough for me. The management and kitchen share my philosophy in so much as “if your service is exemplary then people will always return, if they are treated badly they'll not only never return but they'll tell everyone how bad it was...” The room appeared to be recently refurbished to a very high standard with a bath that can actually fit a whole body and stretch (not like those is lesser places where you have your knees on your chin just to sit it there!) The TV is bigger than I have ever experienced and I thought I may have just entered one of those new indie cinema experiences! All in all a very comfortable night's sleep and the room was warm and inviting from the biting cold outside. Not only will I return to dine at the restaurant but I'll return to stay.
Downsides? Nothing of my visit was poor.... indeed it was all excellent. There is a however a small technical issue regarding the website which I have discussed with the owner and management which will be addressed to streamline the flow of table bookings etc.
In Conclusion
If you're looking for a weekend away or a mid-week break, where you can just chill-out and enjoy good food and wine, then I certainly recommend you check out the Black Lion in Lampeter! Just make sure there's still room for me please!
You can find their website at https://www.blacklionlampeter.com
