Ivy Bush Hotel Restaurant in Carmarthenshire

The meals listed on the Menu and the 'Specials Board' looked promising, but the meals, when they arrived, were very disappointing. Two of us had 'Bacon & Leek Pie' with mixed veg, the latter from what must have been a frozen veg pack. They wrre not 'fresh' veg! The pie itself had 'puff pastry' topping, but very little 'leek and ham' pie underneath. Our guest had a chicken goujons meal, again a disappointment. As she said, 'Definitely over-cooked'! The meals were not cheap! The only + is that the waitress was very polite.

Break with my daughter. Lovely stay from start to finish. Room was lovely, clean and staff were helpful. Breakfast was more than plentiful. Fresh croissants and coffee plus lots of hot choice. Looking forward to going again.

Very good hotel in terms of service - both friendly and efficient. The room was spacious for two people and the beds extremely comfortable. The breakfast was top class, one of the best we have had in years!

After enjoying a lovely carvery lunch one Sunday I was very disappointed following a visit for lunch later that week. Overpriced meal that was virtually inedible - returned to kitchen & not charged for.

What an excellent Sunday lunch we all had to celebrate my sisters retirement. Some were gluten free and others dairy intolerance which we told them before hand, that was dealt with efficiently too, tremendous meal had by all of us. Management and Staff were absolutely fantastic! Rhian at the bar was brilliant and had a great personality. The chef (sorry no name) was very helpful to us all and Dafydd looked after us serving the vegetables with a great smile and a chat The waiting staff were were all fantastic, full of smiles and nothing was too much trouble for any of them. A HUGE THANK-YOU goes to Nick, Magda, Camilla and not forgetting Mair who went over and above for our lunch to make sure we ALL had a great time!

We visited this restaurant last Monday evening. We waited 55 minutes for our meal to be served! I had the fish & chips option, which was acceptable - no lemon though; my wife had the 'Thai Chicken Curry, half & half'. Chips, rice and a good amount of chicken pieces were served but.... the curry itself was 'hotter' than a traditional 'Indian curry'. Thai curry, be it Green or Red is no way as spicy as the one prepared at the Ivy Bush, so be warned! If I could, I'd rate both dishes 'Poor to Average'.

Lovely hotel with good bar and restaurant , bedroom was a very good size and clean , bathroom and hotel decor could do with a tidy up , some staff could do with being a bit more jolly and a bit more talkative .

On entrance I was appalled at the condition of the place, needs complete refurbishment. We ordered food and sat outside which was absolutely filthy, the floor was covered in cigarette ash and stubs everywhere. There was clothes and bags strewn all over the seating area. When our food came I was mortified, mine was shocking and absolutely inedible. I had the Thai curry with rice and chips, it was like tin soup, the chips were cold and horrible and the rice not Thai Jasmine but a starchy unseasoned mass. It also came with a dried up cold naan bread??? And a couple of burnt papadoms and some leaves??. My husband had the burger and said how can you get something so simple so wrong. It was dry, tasteless and the chips the same as mine dry and cold. I can honestly say that this was the worst meal I have ever eaten out. Absolutely dreadful.

No atmosphere it needs a completed refurbishment Very convenient when staying on the premises. Food good, service just about acceptable.

Best Lasagna I have had since Italy! Lush food and good service! Very varied menu, hubby had fish n chips. Good portion size and, therefore, value for money!

Stayed at this hotel with my mum as part of a coach holiday to Wales.The hotel does certainly need a makeover ,tired looking and in need of a lick of paint however our beds were very comfortable in our room and although there was no cleaning of rooms because of COVID whenever we needed clean towels tea/coffee etc they were always supplied.What makes this hotel special is its staff.They all understand the value of customer service and were exemplary,professional and polite especially in our dining room.We had breakfast and evening meal and the food was lovely.Good menu and tasty.This is a budget hotel and yes the decor does show this however the staff would not be out of place in a 5 star hotel .

Well this was a shocker for sure.! probably the worst hotel ever been in, totally run down, dirty , old, did I mention dirty? , came with free breakfast but didnt eat there just wanted get out. so cant speak for the food but was like being in a old folks home, everyone was about 80-90 years old and the place was filty and staff not friendly . so. was VERY disappointing, but we couldn't find anything else on trip advisor last minute.. lesson learned

Room was what u pay for. No complaints. the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was nice. Although I felt the gent serving could of done with a hand Or they had staff off that day. He did more than enough so it’s nothing complain about. Would definitely return. Thank you for our stay.

Stay here regular we ate in hotel the 2 evenings very nice a bit of effort to get the hotel up to scratch would be good also the carpet after reception down to toilets needs replacing it has for years it's the first thing you notice when you walk in

Really good food and plenty of it. Restrictions on distancing well enforced. Hotel spotlessly clean. Serving staff marvellous and service good. Tables laid out for good distancing. Sadly due to lockdown it could be closed for this period, but not sure.

Had a very pleasant afternoon with family for afternoon tea. Sandwiches and cakes were enough for us, with some to take home in a bag provided. Continual supply of fresh coffee. The two ladies today were pleasant, helpful and cheerful.

Honestly was the worst meal I’ve ever eaten in my life. Head chef needs the boot if they’re happy to be sending out such disgusting food. Tasteless, cold, undercooked chips, over cooked meat, some things tasted like they came straight out of packet.

Best curry in town.Highly recommended great service nice food good beer.staff are lovely usually busy so book also nice take aways

We booked the Ivy Bush Hotel for 11 if us for a family wedding.The staff were very helpful prior to arriving. They offered early book in for all of us. After a 4 hour drive it was much appreciated. Also, the bar staff were exceptionally friendly and again helpful.Rooms were big enough and clean and tidy, only small fault was bathrooms could be a bit cleaner as in the tiles were a bit dirty.Ideal walk in less than 5 minutes to the town, with lovely shops.

Buffet consisted of platters of sandwiches-all without labels-so it was lucky dip .Mixture of white and brown bread-the 2 1/4's I had were fresh-that was the best thing about them. At the end were dishes-with scoops-of crisps+ tea and coffee. The hotel ia shabby with uneven floors in the lounge+ toilets in the basement only-could not find a disabled toilet.

Sunday lunch carvery was a disappointment.Service was slow due to understaffing.One waitress was serving behind the bar and the next minute was taking orders for starters around the tables! Limited choice of unappetising starters, the chicken soup was stringy and watery,other starters were tasteless. Carvery was OK. Meats were cooked to perfection but the vegetables were not very appetising or appealing to the eye. They ran out of veg, etc during service. Had to ask for serving dishes to be replenished. Desserts were OK. Nothing special about the meal. £18 per head!!! Will not be returning. Not very professional at all. What a pity as we enjoy the atmosphere at the hotel and the bar snacks and lunches are fine. We do not understand how a professional, well established hotel can get Sunday lunch so wrong.

Arrived late but received a pleasant welcome. The bar staff were kind and told us the kitchen would shut soon. Ordered 2 meals that were lovely. We felt chilled. Hats off to the Ivy Bush staff.

We had a nice evening meal while staying here, the fish cake starter was hot and tasty. The bake fillet to follow by comparison wasn’t quite so tasty and veg a bit limited, but the rice pudding dessert was delicious! Pleasant bar area with lots of seating.

Had a nice meal with business colleagues. Food was nicely presented. The choice in the dining room is not huge - the bar menu is more diverse. Good service.

Had a great meal at this restaurant, traditional pub food menu in big portions served quickly and politely in somewhat dated surroundings full of old skool charm! Vegetarian lasagne was really good - would definitely go again.

I had Sunday LunchCavery with family recently The pate was tasteless presentation was apsolutely outrageous it had a fes pre washed lettuce that looked on it s last legs and half a small tomato. soup was luke warm . plates roo small Christmas pudding shop bought white sauce did nt taste of brandy.and for the crackers they were the cheapest that they could get contained of small green airoplane was not safe to give to a child,I am head chefand have worked in many countriesand have provided food for Royalty stars I pwrsonally would not servr this to no person .The General Catering Restauant Managers need to wake up

Had a midday meal which was excellent! Could not find a fault with either the meal mor the service. Well patronised Hotel, with a very good and reliable restaurant.

Waited 25 minutes for toast not even busy in restaurant had to get a refund as had appointment go to not acceptable will not be back

We had a very good lunch at the Ivy Bush Hotel Restaurant. We had not booked a table and the restaurant was pretty busy, but the food was served in good time. Our meals were well cooked and tasty, and the portions were very large !

Lunch with a friend at this charming old hotel in Carmarthen. A good range of lunch options and the staff were helpful. The receptionist was particularly helpful. Parking on site which is a bonus.

Just returned from an overnight stay. My wife and I are disabled and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. The room was very nice and spotless; and the food was excellent. We would definitely stay again

Went to the Ivy Bush for Sunday Lunch. They offer a 3 course meal for £18.00. I thought it was good value for money. There was plenty of choice of meats and vegetables and it was all cooked well and was very tasty. The only thing I found was its a bit old fashioned in its decor but that didn't spoil the experience. I would definitely go there again for Sunday lunch as the food was very good and the carver was plentiful.

Had an excellent Bar Meal at the Ivy Bush Hotel Restaurant earlier this week! Both the meals served as Ewell as the ambience is just perfect for a relaxing lunch-time meal! We have frequented the restaurant on several occasions over the years, and have never had a poor meal served us.

Nice atmosphere as a few people in having meals.two coaches in so restaurant was busy and a little wait but apologetic.food was tasty and plenty of it.staff were really tentative.

Popped in for a glass of wine.1 large glass and 1 small cost £12.45. Shocking price, will never visit again.

Dated. Dreary. Drab. Attended a small private dinner. Line of tables uneven and wet from leaking overhead air con.............. and no table linen! just paper napkins. Food basic. Thought I was at a soup kitchen.

Outstanding food and service. We have had lunch here for 4 yrs on christmas day, always well organised and tasty food. 5 course all waiter service apart from the carvery. Excellent value! Thoroughly enjoyed

Yo comí allí con mi esposa recientemente y estaba encantado. Teníamos un paté de arranque, muy sabroso y bastante una gran porción. Y tuve el lambs hígado y mi esposa tenía el salmón. Ambos eran muy sabroso y sin pedir la misma de nuevo. Los precios no son baratos pero luego pagar por el servicio y el ambiente. El aparcamiento puede ser un problema, así que asegúrese de registrarse en recepción con su número de reg. Volvería.

We had a three course lunch and I have to say from start to finish it was lovely. The beef has to be the best I have tasted and desserts were divine. I would love to go again.

Asistí a una función de caridad en el Ivy Bush a finales de 2014. La función en sí era bueno, teniendo en cuenta los números de buen bar ofrece servicio rápido esencialmente un buen día.

Hemos realizado varias visitas a la reserva Hoteles asados los domingos, es necesario y la comida tradicional del domingo es fantástica. Excelente servicio del personal que están siempre a mano. Encantador tres menús con las bebidas del bar, seguido de café en el salón. No me puedo quejar de este imprescindible si estás buscando tiempo en el fin de semana.

Tuvimos una comida agradable de tres platos con una preciosa aquí botella de vino recomendaría este lugar a cualquiera precioso restaurante en un encantador entorno X

we booked family party for golden wedding get together here table was bookedfor 7 pm we received our starters at...

Comida basura! Más de bistec cocinado y patatas horno! Enviado todo, luego tardamos más de una hora que remodelar todo, pero cuando me levanté para salir increíblemente resultó tan negaron y dieron un sándwich de la coop! El gerente del restaurante, pero no era rondan...

Un práctico restaurante del hotel, que atendió bien a nuestras necesidades. El menú ofrecía una buena variedad y la comida era muy buena, con buenas porciones de tamaño medio. El único inconveniente fue la instalaciones interiores con que no estaban convenientemente situado, especialmente para los más ancianos. El personal era muy amable y servicial.

wonderful hotel.Lovely ambience ,food and waiter service the best.Would certainly call again and this was the feeling of all my family on the day.Everything went like clock work and I can see why this hotel consistently gets very high ratings.john williams

Excellent food, clean place, understanding staff, just good. A good time was had by all. And the decorations got my heart beating a bit

When I'm in Carmarthen with friends I always have lunch at The Ivy Bush and particularly enjoy the toasted sandwiches, usually the locally sourced ham and cheese. Last Monday I could not believe the decline in standards. The toast slices were far smaller than usual and the ham had not been trimmed - i.e. unpleasant tasting, very dark meat at the edges. It looked awful and thoroughly unappetising. There was no dressing on the very inadequate salad and no offer of a dressing to add. A quarter of a small, very bruised and nasty-tasting tomato completed this very disappointing lunch. Not sure if I will be going back. If I do and am disappointed again I will certainly complain on the spot and wish I had complained at the time.

I went to the Ivy Bush for afternoon tea some months ago and would not go again for the afternoon tea. The sandwiches were ok but the cakes were disappointing. The Welsh cakes were hard and coated in a lot of sugar. The scones were mediocre at best and not anywhere near the standard I would expect from an establishment such as the Ivy Bush. The service itself was good and there was a nice atmosphere within the establishment itself especially when sitting outside.

Even though the decor is a bit outdated and they they don't wait on tables in the bar the surroundings are pleasant relaxing.We ordered off the bar menu and the food was fine and reasonably priced. It's a place to go for a casual lunch and a drink.Be aware of the parking regime - you have to register your car in reception on a computer terminal otherwise you will be fined without compromise. It has lost many customers due this but it has been in operation for a long while now so regulars know.

Had a few Sunday lunches at the Ivy Bush fantastic food, choice of meats and vegetarian options couldn't fault it, coffee /tea to follow, well worth a visit. Will be visiting again.

My wife and I went to the Ivy Bush to meet a friend we had not seen for a while. It was at her recommendation after she had asked other friends for somewhere quiet where we could have a good old natter and catch up with each others' news.The car park was absolutely full but fortunately a Probus meeting was just finishing and after waiting 5 minutes or so, we had the choice of a dozen spaces. [Note: There is no parking charge (which was a pleasant surprise) but do make sure you register your car number at reception or the bar, to avoid a nasty surprise in the form of a fine].We met in the bar, which although reasonably busy, was quiet enough for us to speak to each other without any raising of voices.The barman was friendly and helpful and the service (from other staff as well) was perfectly satisfactory.All three of us opted for omelettes with various fillings and they were delicious and nicely presented. We ordered two bowls of chips between the three of us, which were very generous: one bowl between us would have been enough, we didn't quite finish the two!In summary, an excellent experience and we may well go there again when we are in the area. Parking looks like it could sometimes be a problem but we were lucky on this occasion.

We have had several Sunday lunches at the Bush and attended a couple of functions but I must say it is not how it used to be. The choice of vegetables and meat on offer are excellant although the plates could be slightly bigger as you only have room for so much which is a shame. Drinks are VERY expensive and actually puts you off buying a glass or bottle of wine with your meal because of the cost, which leads me on to my main gripe and reason for writing this review is the charge for Sunday Lunch. We went to the Bush on the Sunday after Christmas with our son, daughter in law and 5yr old grandson who were visiting for a few days, the cost of the lunch was the same whether you had 1, 2 or 3 courses which I think is absolutely atrocious how can the management justify this? I will certainly think twice before eating here again which is a shame as the restaurant is cosy and most of the staff very pleasant. Ivy Bush Royal Hotel you are pricing yourselves out of the eatery market.

We came here for my sister's wedding and the food was fantastic! (LOOK AT MY LAST REVIEW ON THE IVY BUSH) We came here Christmas Day for our food and it was awful, I'm not sure if it was a different chef working but the starter I had was Mushroom soup and tasted like it had sand in it, the duck terrine was disgusting, I had to hide it in an empty Christmas cracker as I didn't want to show I wasted two courses. It only had a two rating off me as the main course was ok. Dessert was also ok. The service was good, but the bar staff were mixing orders up and overcharging us and two other people who were in the bar. Ivy Bush, I know you are better than this so raise you're game.

Had our 41 Club meal in the Ivy bush .excellent meal-soup delicious followed by well cooked tender beef plus a large selection of vegetables.Choice of Christmas pudding or cheese to finish.

We had visited often and had great meals terrible disappointment. We met from Berkshie Swansea and Fishguard. Our party of 6 included a lady of 81, a diabetic and a gentleman with MND. We booked for 12.30 ordered at 12.40. Starters arrived at 12.55. A little wait but good starters. Based on previous experience a cheese omelette and 14oz gammon steak ordered. Then 2 fillet steaks, placed and salmon. At 13.55 we were still waiting a Christmas party next door has already had 2 courses. We spoke to a helpful waitress who chased the order it arrived straight away. It had obviously sat in the kitchen for too long all was dried out and inedible . Re steaks which were very well done dried out with no sauce on offer. Rare and medium offered. Acting manager said he would see chef. Then agreed over cooked. We needed to leave by then and wondered how long replacing may take! Omelette rubbery on side plate with no filling. salmon and plaice cold and dried out and sauce had thick congealed skin. Peas cold like bulletsGammon possibly 7oz at most. Manager suggested this was their normal offering. We know it is not. He did not apologise at all. This food was not edible we refused to pay. He would not give his name except for 'guy'. We suggest he needed some training!!!! We would also advise not eating at this hotel!

I’m not one for writing reviews but after the delicious Sunday lunch we enjoyed today, I just had to comment. It was Mum’s birthday and she was over the moon. Delicious carvery, friendly waiters and waitresses and lovely atmosphere. Keep it up, we’ll be visiting again.

Came here for afternoon tea this week, which was £10 per person. I enjoyed it very much. Very filling - I couldn't eat supper until late, and I could only manage a bowl of soup! Sandwiches were provided - cheese and pickle, turkey and cranberry and salmon and cucumber. Neither my friend nor I like salmon and cucumber sandwiches and there were three of them, and only one delicious turkey and cranberry which was disappointing. Had the salmon been properly cooked they would have been lovely, but it was the usual raw salmon. Still, my friend's baby enjoyed the salmon! There were scones, bakewell tarts, Welshcakes and mince pies provided too, which were all delicious and a generous size. A choice of tea or coffee was offered. My friend had tea and I had coffee. We were told we could have more if we wished by requesting more at the bar, but I felt I already had enough. I was definitely given enough for two cups of coffee, if not 3 - I can't quite remember. But I definitely had two. It was nice to have the choice to request more if needed. The staff were very friendly and accomodating in that they happily provided a high chair for my friend's little one. I would definitely come back here again for afternoon tea.

The Ivy Bush hosted our work's Christmas 'do' this year and although it was a fun night there were disappointments which I need to highlight.First of all we were seated at long tables where we felt that we'd been squashed in. When one person needed to leave the table the person seated next door also had to get up as there was no room just to pull out one chair. It turned into an evening of musical chairs when people wanted to go to the bar, the dance floor and the toilet.The meal was a carvery but if you wanted salmon which was also on offer you needed to order before hand and then join the rest of the queue for the vegetables etc. When a couple of us asked for our salmon we were told that it would be brought to us at the table. This was a bit strange as it arrived about 5 minutes later, on a smaller plate, complete with hollandaise sauce. It was a bit messy trying to transfer the salmon and sauce onto the plate of begetables.Now for the food itself- my starter was melon in malibu but it wasn't that juicy and had no flavour of malibu so that was a disappointing start. It didn't really improve, although the salmon was tasty (had quite a few large bones in it though. The roasted parsnips turned out to be hard and the rest of the meal was pretty bland.The saving grace was the cheese platter with bara brith which I chose instead of a sweet. That was very nice.All in all it was a disappointment and I don't think I'll be recommending the Ivy Bush for next year's Christmas dinner.

Went with friends for tea a few weeks ago. Cream teas were advertised, but at 3.15pm there were no scones available. We had to queue at the bar to order, where there were 2/3 slices of 3 different cakes to choose from. When we were served at the table, the cake arrived on saucers, no cutlery or serviettes were offered. The whole experience suggested that no-one cared that much about the hotel's reputation, and, as locals, we thought was it gave a poor impression of Carmarthen's hospitality

As our hotel did not provide evening meals we visited the Ivy Bush. The lounge was spacious, warm and had many comfortable chairs and sofas. The selection of courses was extensive and the quality and quantity were of a high standard.

Too noisy air conditioning vents going loud all nite in our 3 rooms aswell as kitchen vents all day and eve until midnight - toture ruined stay

I came here for my sisters wedding last month and I have to say what a great job the Ivy Bush had done. Spotless place, Food was great and huge portions, the lay out was fab and modern. The only let down I would say was the bar staff as they seemed like they didn't really want to be there. All in all they made it a great day for everyone.

the carvery was very good the beef was very tender and the choice of vegetable side dishes is bigger than anywhere else I've been. BUT they have one price - £16. For this you have a starter, the carvery and a desert. Choices for the starters was poor. The desert choice was better but when my sticky toffee pudding arrived it was so hard I needed a hammer to cut it. When I mentioned this to the waitress her response was 'I'll let the chef know' - no apology or an offer of something else. They should give guests a choice of either one course, two course or the full three courses with a price that is reduced to suit each level. It is ridiculous to expect guests to pay the full amount when they only want the carvery. My advice is look around the area there are plenty of good pubs that offer a great carvery for half the price.

Easy to find, good parking but do register at reception. Quite busy even on a Monday. Order meals at the bar. Staff very friendly but service was a bit slow. Good food but these are hotel rather than pub prices. Decent sized portions so you won't starve. We had three generations on a table for six. Mainly an older clientele. You can either have lunch in the lounge on the leather sofas or at table. If fine there is an outside area. A bit too slow if you are having a business lunch but fine if you have the time. Very good all round and will go again.

Went to the Ivy Bush last Sunday for lunch. Reasonable price. Three courses for £16 and also tea/coffee included. Most staff were very helpful and courteous. The dinner was particuarly good and so was the crumble. Although the cauliflower cheese sauce could have been thicker. The ice-cream in the Baked Alaska wasn't that tasty and the peppermint tea was okay - not minty enough. Meat at the carvery was very tender and tasty. All in all a good experience. Would go again.

Taken out for supper by a friend. First visit to the hotel. Dismayed to see a couple of coaches in the car park, the dining room was very crowded, and the waiting staff said there would be a longish wait, it turned out to be nearly an hour from arrival to food! As we were guests we didn't make a fuss. The menu catered for most tastes and we had Cornish sole with prawns, the sole was well cooked but the prawns were shrimp and it was all swimming in butter. That said it was quite good, but the veg was overcooked. We did have desserts, although I am not sure the creme brule was home made custard, but not bad, and the lemon tart was OK. As we were not paying, I cannot comment on the value for money. It's not somewhere we will hurry back to.

Hotel was excellent room was lovely clean and spotlessly clean very spacious staff very helpful we were bed and breakfast breakfast was buffet style food was lovely plenty too choose from would thoroughly recommend this hotel it was central located near town center

Had an excellant Sunday Lunch today,Staff were so helpful and nothing was too much for them to do for us .Fantastic all around

We had a warm welcome, we had a lovely bar meal at the Ivy Bush last Saturday evening - attentive waitress/bar person. Will visit again.

Went for evening meal to celebrate family birthday and found friendly welcome waiting. Very smart hotel, good selection to the menu and food was served hot and very tasty! Staff were very attentive,nothing too much trouble even sang Happy Birthday when bringing out the cake! Did not feel rushed and will definitely book again, especially as the Sunday lunches are hugely popular so will have to try them too!

3 adults and 2 young girls went for afternoon tea. The 2 young girls birthday treats. Well what can i say - STUNNING willl return. Girls havent stopped speaking about it - this is how children gain memories. Thank you Ivy bush we will return

Had a lovely 2 course meal charcol chicken with sauce carrots potatoes and swead very nice meal very quickly service the lovely fresh fruit salad with ice cream for dessert with coffee nice lunch area but still xmas decoration still up !!!

Good staff and good food made our lunch a memorable event. Whilst many bar snacks were being served, we appeared to be the only people to take lunch in the restaurant. The menu was adequate to attract most diners except those looking for fine dining. The starters were soup and garlic prawns both excellent; with mains being lamb and a fillet steak 'rossini'. The lamb was cooked beautifully with lots of flavour, whilst the fillet steak was overcooked (medium, not medium-rare as ordered) and too large; the quality of the meat was very good. Both dishes were served with a selection of fresh veg. and the proverbial "thrice cooked chips" Overall the meal was very enjoyable and we were looked after by a very pleasant and efficient member of staff. The total cost of two lunches including drinks was £59 giving good value for our money.Well worth another visit.

Booked a table for a family meal for a group ranging in age between 20 and 88. Superb service, all needs catered for. Staff were prompt and observant and the standard of the carvery meal was the best I've had in a long time. We had coffee in the lounge after our meal and it was the perfect afternoon. I'm looking forward to coming again. Highly recommended.

Come here a lot, bringing different groups of friends, for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or sometimes just a drink. Always a warm welcome and great service. Reasonable prices for good food. Brilliant afternoon tea with a good variety of cakes and sandwiches. I've organised for afternoon tea here on three separate occasions in the last six months. When friends and family visit from uk and abroad I bring them here, it's the perfect setting, ideal location and relaxing atmosphere. Stayed here for a wedding once, the rooms were clean and comfortable. Also attended a christening here, which was well catered for. They also do Carvery Sunday lunch which is quite nice.There is a large car park, and outdoor seating.

Having attended the Sport Aid lunch here two weeks ago I was impressed with the quality of the food given the numbers involved. However, I have since received a parking penalty notice for parking in the car park (which I was directed to by hotel personnel!!) Apparently there were signs everywhere and several announcements made. I've just phoned your venue to query the situation and been spoken to extremely rudely by Ms Alison Jones. I for one will not be attending this venue again.

I have to say I don't visit Wales much so have nothing to compare this with. It was a bit like going back in time about 40 years. We ate in the bar from an extensive bar menu. I had an omelette, which was fine but accompanied by a small portion of salad, well two or three lettuce leaves and a slice of tomato ! The chips were OK. Others had various options all of which were adequate but nothing to write home about. I much reduced menu with an improvement in presentation and quality would be welcome. Service was good and car parking is well organised, surroundings are dated.

I was invited to join my family for Sunday lunch at this Hotel restaurant. It transpired that the Ivy Bush offer a Carvery style lunch on Sunday afternoons. The service was great, the choice of food was very wide with four meat choices and a wide choice of vegetables including 3 kinds of potato dishes, 2 kinds of cabbage dishes and broad beans amongst many others. The meal was delicious and included a choice of starters and sweets. Not exactly fine dining, but a good choice for a group lunch.It was a very popular venue and the restaurant was pretty full. The price of £15 per head was reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. I would definitely go back again. I recommend anyone contemplating going there for Sunday lunch to book a table in advance!

Alc only and not cheap. The starter of smoked salmon (delicious) came with a warm(ish) croissant (leathery), rocket (a bit tired), two big quenelles of cream cheese with chive ( too much & overpowered everything), dill cream sauce (lovely) and a sprinkle of powdered sumach (pretty). The main of rump of lamb needed a sharper knife, and I felt their "medium rare" was a bit too cooked, but it was flavourful with plenty of very good sauce made with fruity mustard. I left most of the piles of watery veg, but ate every one of the wonderful chips - worth picking these as you can choose your potato option - in their little wire basket. In-house rosemary bread fresh & delicious. The tables are bare & shiny, the napkins yellow & slippery, the blue mats have a Welsh lesson on... Pleasant music, friendly service.

We ate in the bar for several evenings during our stay in Carmarthen. The menu was quite extensive and the meals were well cooked and served quickly.

Called last night for bar food and I must say it was excellent. Although very busy the service was first class and the food was tasty. The hotel and restaurant have had a major refurbishment over the past 12-18 months and is now one of the top venues in Carmarthenshire. We'll worth a visit For either food and or to stay. One hint remember to book your car in at reception when you arrive or you may be fined.

Some may say that the Ivy is a little pricey, but I say no, we paid £ 25 each for a 3 course meal and it has to be one of the best value meals we've ever had. We started with the king Prawns and Ham hock starter, both were excellently cooked and full of flavour, next I ordered the duck- again beautifully cooked and good portion, my wife had the fillet steak ( an extra £5 ) it was the best tasting and best cooked steak we've ever had. For dessert we both had cheesecake, which is my fave and I'm quite fussy with, this was the best cheese cake. The quality of food was brilliant, I've been to horels/restaurants charging these sort of prices and only giving pub quality food, this was on a different level, all fresh. Well done. PS staff were very friendly and helpful.

Before I review the food here I must comment on the car parking situation! Anyone who claims they were not aware of having to register their car is a complete moron. We counted over 20 signs in the car park alone explaining the situation and once inside there are monitors at reception and on the bar as well as EVERY table in the restaurant and lounge area telling you to register your car. There really is no excuse for not doing so. I have stayed at the hotel twice. The first time was a nightmare as although the hotel was only half full we had to wait for a parking space because shoppers visiting the town had parked there and gone shopping!As a paying guest I expect to have a parking space! The second time we visited (last weekend) it was much better - loads of spaces.Anyway.....back to reviewing the restaurant. Unfortunately I cannot praise the food like I can their parking initiative.My husband and I were staying on a Living Social deal which included a 3 course meal. When we arrived we were shown to our table. We appeared to be in the 'cheap seats' as all the tables at our end of the room had the small set menu reserved for those on a deal and the other half of the restaurant had the fancy leather bound a la carte menu. I do not know if we were treated differently at 'the pauper' end but at no point were we asked if we wanted a drink, not even water. We had to wait until they cleared our starter plates before we managed to grab someone's attention. For starters we both had the garlic mushrooms which were very lovely and plentiful and accompanied by a large slice of tomato bread. I was impressed and looked forward to our mains. Unforunately thats were it drops a few points.I had the chicken in white wine and my husband had the salmon. The seasonal veggies and new poatoes that accompanied the dishes were FANTASTIC - very fresh and tasty, as if just picked from the garden. However my chicken was as tough as an old boot - i had trouble cutting it - it was that tough. My husbands salmon was ok but a little tasteless. If the meat and fish had been comparable to the starter and veggies the meal would have been delicious and would have made up for the poor service and being made to feel like second class citizens .......but unfortunately due to all of the above I can only rate this restaurant as a poor average .

We visited the Ivy Bush this lunchtime for a snack, and were extremely disappointed with the service we received. Firstly, after rather a long wait to be served at the bar to place the order our wait for food was even longer. We waited nearly 50 mins for some panini's and a toastie. Our chips arrived first- approximately 10 mins before our food. When our food finally came, they had prepared a tuna mayo sandwich instead of a tuna and cheese toastie. Secondly, the young waitress informed me that the baby changing facilities were downstairs in the ladies toilets. However, they weren't. When I asked the waitress again the second time where the baby changing facilities were she had to go and ask the barman who told me to go to ask at reception. We were eventually informed that they were in the disabled toilets.

I know they say quantity is not quality but here you get both! The Sunday lunch set menu delivers on all levels and is as good as home cooked (amazing gravy)!!! Although the service is carvery style, which wouldn't be my first choice- call me lazy, the meat is always good and you get a choice of rare or well done beef. All round the menu and food is a success and has not left any of us disappointed! The final touch is that tea and coffee is included and you can choose to have it at the table or in the lounge a lovely option and finishing touch.

I have received a parking charge at The Ivy Bush Hotel. I was in Carmarthen on business and together with some colleagues I went to the Ivy Bush for lunch. Subsequently I was astounded to receive a very threatening letter demanding a charge for parking. Apparently I had omitted to tell reception that my car was in the car park.I wrote to the manager enclosing my lunch account and my credit card account. She replied that it was nothing to do with the hotel “as the hotel has handed over control of the car park to Creative Parking“. She also told me that I should have made myself aware of the conditions of use of the car park.I have used hotels all over Britain and I have never come across another hotel that treats its customers this way.

I have now dined twice at the Ivy Bush. Once for a society dinner and also for a family Sunday lunch. On both occasions the food presented was of a quality which would make me recommend it to anyone. The serving staff were polite and helpful and spoke to us as if we were the most important people in the room. I have since used the coffee lounge as a meeting place during the day. Even a century or more ago this place was talked about with awe: nothing has changed.

well all i can say is that this a good place the food was very good and a lot of it i will call back

Go there and see for yourself as many people have found this gem.The beer and wine are very reasonable.

Often visit this hotel for lunch. The food is excellent and the staff are always friendly. It has recently been refurbished and has maintained the relaxing atmosphere. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Ivy Bush for lunch or evening meal.

We had a meal with friends at the Ivy Bush Restaurant last night and were really looking forward to it as we assumed that it would be of a good standard - how wrong we were!!!There was a couple of Christmas office parties going on so it was reasonably busy and at first impressions the atmosphere seemed lively. However, the bar man looked like he wanted to go home, didn't smile, and got our drinks order wrong, and at £4.00 a drink not a mistake you want! When we made our way to the restaurant (which only had two tables occupied) the waiter looked put out that we had arrived and said 'Nobody told me you were coming'. We looked on his reservations list and pointed out our booking name to him to which he replied 'Ok - go and wait over there' and he pointed to the bar area. After a couple of minutes the waiter rushed over with three Christmas dinner menus (that's all he had - there were four of us!) and didn't give us the option of the a la carte, and came back after a short time to take our order. He disappeared again for five minutes then came back to usher us into a brightly lit, unimpressive dining room and the carvery area was covered with planks of wood! No sooner had we sat on our chairs, our starters where slapped down in front of us. The basket of bread was plonked down after a minute or so, and after looking at our empty glasses till the end of our first course, we had to ask the waiter for a wine list. The meal was very rushed (which was surprising as the restaurant was practically empty) and we had to ask the waiter twice if we could have a break between courses. He replied 'Whatever you want!'. The restaurant phone was ringing for so long without being answered my husband actually piped up 'It's for you!'.The food was mediocre and felt as though it had been sitting around for some time and for nearly £20 a head we were bitterly disappointed! I don't believe that I have ever had such a bad experience at a restaurant and my advise to anyone thinking of going - Don't bother!!!!

Could'nt fault this meal at all. Comfortable bar and professional friendly staff. The meal itself was a 3 course at a set price. the main meal was a carvery, no skimping here, good selection of very tasty meats and the biggest selection of veg I have ever bee offered.

Nice sized room which was nice and clean, very comfy bed, excellent bar meal and a very tasty breakfast buffet and a bargain price! Cannot fault this place, excellent! !

This hotel restaurant is tucked away in Spillman Street and poorly lit for a 3*hotel.If you are disabled the toilet is quite away from the restaurant and difficult to find. Reception is dull. The bar and restaurant however are pleasant with light wood background. There is also a large bookcase with plenty of books and newspapers. Seats in bar and public areas are bucket type in cream.Bar staff spoke Welsh. Other staff seemed to be international.3 courses for £25, no tea or coffee. Standard menu, perhaps only available daytime £20 and including tea and coffee.Starters and mains were good and vegetables were generous though these were not indicated on menu. Sweets reasonable but plain ice cream decorated with HALF a strawberry and no wafer was poor. Service was fine.Atmosphere was poor. We were the only diners mid-week at 8pm.Hotel had hardly any Welsh souvenirs. Better in the market.Would not go again in the evening. B&B is £75 double.Opposite hotel and pub looked more inviting.

I wanted to get this review in the Ivy Bush restaurant as I thought that to put it under the hotel would be unfair as those staying in the hotel seemed to have better food. We chose the Ivy Bush for our chapel dinner and I’m afraid we were unimpressed with the food we received. We had roast beef and never have I been served with such poor quality meat. The Yorkshire puddings were tough and leathery and the broccoli was hard and under cooked. The cauliflower with a white sauce, however, was nice. When people complained that they couldn’t cut the meat they were given steak knives! I said that I had managed to cut the meat but my teeth couldn’t cope with it. The waiter asked if I would like fish instead and after accepting his offer I had a delicious trout with almonds. I think I was the only one to accept the offer. I didn’t enjoy the trifle as I thought that it was too liquid. My husband enjoyed his cheesecake but the serving was only about half the usual size.On the positive size the serving staff was pleasant, it was an agreeable venue and we had an enjoyable time after the meal. The management reduced the price of the meal but I would have preferred to have paid the full price for a decent meal.