Llyn Brenig Cafe in Conwy

Used to come here about six times a year but unfortunately my husband can no longer drive. I have always moaned about the cost of parking and have previously suggested that you should be able offset the cost against food in the cafe,if that is the only reason for your visit ( less than an hour) Our daughter offered to take us for a ride so I suggested Brenig, knowing she wouldn`t want to leave her dog at home. It was very cold for early September- 14 degrees, dark and dismal.She went ahead to give her dog a quick walk and we met up outside the entrance to the cafe, then we noticed a sign saying no pets! Having read the other reviews, I now know that dogs are allowed on the terrace but you can only get there with your dog up some steep steps. Why isn`t there a sign on the door indicating this?? Anyway it would have been too cold on that day to sit on the terrace so we headed to Betws and had lunch there.

As a local I have seen this place decline over all the years it has been open. Service is now at the speed of rock erosion, cakes are smaller and don't taste 'homemade' anymore, food choices run out by about 1pm on weekends and the dogs policy is way out of date. Yesterday I witnessed a staff member berating a lady with a tiny dog who was trying to join the queue to order. She was ordered to go round the front and up the stairs to the balcony (only) - how would this allow her to order food?? The balcony was full anyway as it was sunny. There are always tables inside. This cafe could be a goldmine with better management, staff and a dog friendly environment. As the balcony can only be accessed either through the cafe (level access no dogs) or up a significant staircase I believe it is discrimination against those who cannot manage steps. I think it is Denbighshire Council owned and they should know better than to discriminate against the less able dog loving members of our community. Please buck up.

Food was excellent best chips I have ever eaten..the only negative was unhelpful staff asked for a menu to take outside to my partner who was watching our dog to be bluntly told the menu is over there on a stand and couldn't be taken out!

Lovely location, friendly and helpful staff. But, on a Bank holiday weekend (Sunday) with blue skies and sunshine. A packed car park, cyclists, walkers, fishermen, tourists. They stop serving food at 2pm 😳 Like WTF, it’s just 1hr after lunchtime. It would be something if they stopped doing hot food at 2. But still served sandwiches etc until later. Absolutely mind blown 🤯 what sort of a way to run a business is that?

Can't have an egg after 12! Obviously they have a specialist egg frying chef who goes home after 12. Don't think it's asking a lot, especially when they're not busy. Staff séem completely unable to think for themselves. Given this and other failings, we are now going to boycott the cafe from now on. It's a shame but you can't rely on getting a meal there.

A fine coffee on the balcony overlooking the lake. Many cakes and other items to choose from and served with a smile.

I went here with a couple friends after a big sesh as in couldn’t remember anything as in coming home at 3 in the morning as in ordering a kebab and not eating it as in seeing a 0/10 thinking she’s a 10/10 o yeah and the food was good as well and service 👍

Arrived 2.50pm to be told in no uncertain terms that they were closing at 3pm and the whole site would be locked and gates shut at 3.45pm-and if our car was still there after then we’d be locked in-so we just about managed to get a coffee and were told to sit outside to drink it (which we didnt do as others were still sitting inside)We then had to go to move the car off site, so we could go for a hike without being locked in! Ok its January but there were lots of people still there and it was not dark until after 5!!

Really thick bacon and lots of it. Fab! Plus friendly staff and beautiful scenery from the deck outside.

Excellent vegan and vegetarian choices. Very friendly staff. The menu is very good and extremely reasonable. A favourite for a local trip out.

Great food and coffee with the most fabulous views. The staff were very helpful and the small shop with various local items for sale offer something a little different.

Visiting the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, we stopped off in the on-site Llyn Brenig Cafe for a takeaway cafe latte. Nice coffee (and we brought some Welsh Caviar). Friendly helpfull staff. A little overpriced, but you are paying for the view!

Absolutely fab hot chocolate, cake and coffee after our 30 km cycle. Would recommend this cafe to others.

Had been up here in the snow but hadn’t actually been inside the cafe. The cafe is a great place for a decent coffee and a cake (homemade flapjack) with great views over the lake. The wall fronting the lake is glass so the views are excellent, although we sat outside on the deck. They also have a ‘farm shop’-type offering with a great range of Welsh produce from Halen Mon (salted honey butter etc), Snowdonia cheese company, Aber Falls distillery etc. This could be an excellent remote office. Also, they were building a paddle board pontoon while we were there, which is due to open in a few weeks so will definitely be back when that opens.

The staff were lovely and very friendly. There was a full shelf of gluten-free and dairy free baked treats. The raspberry and chocolate torte was amazing!

Excellent food (including a beautiful chilli) and drinks with a warm friendly welcome. The salads were great and all the food was plant based and delicious. Many thanks, we will come again.

The cafe was spotlessly clean and following the COVID guidelines. Staff were polite and friendly. There is a good range of hot and cold drinks and food. I can highly recommend the bara brith! I was able to sit outside on the balcony with my dog and take in the beautiful scenery.

We had a coffee at this lovely cafe during a whirlwind visit from the south . What a beautiful place . Lovely polite staff . Views to die for and a great cappuccino. What more could anyone want!!. We also had a look around the centre itself . The centres shop stocks all the Welsh crafty bits and bobs too. The weather held off for us to see it in all its glory . Definitely will recommend to our friends and family.

The staff were very polite and welcoming. I cannot fault the visit itself. We went for a walk, as you do. However, I almost fell through the floor when charged £1.80 for a regular 330ml can of pop. Nothing justifies such blatant opportunistic theft. My brother bought 3 drinks and 2 ice creams and that came to £14 odd. Come on....have a word. We are all entitled to make a profit. However, there comes a point where it becomes extortion. Again, the staff are very welcoming and courteous; food prices let you down.

Food should look presentable and attitudes of staff need improvement took back my order as was rock hard couldnt bite it asked a member if staff to take it back then I was given my order again and it was a mess microwaved cheese everywhere didnt understand the look as had marks all over it its like they weren't bothered I WONT be going again disgusting

Went here today for a walk then we wanted a drink the service was terrible and very rude ladies in the cafe never asked if I was OK kept looking at me as I spoke English, the staff spoke Welsh I will not visit again customer service terrible

What a beautiful place to stop for lunch overlooking long brenig you can watch the fisherman from the glass balcony while eating your lunch or just enjoying a nice hot brew. Plenty to see and do here from fishing to walking mountain biking and more

Cod and chips ,peas very hard ,chips very dry ,cod ok .no more meals at Brenig .Cafe staff very polite at all times shame about the meal peas could be fired across the lake with a catapult.

In the sun overlooking the lake it was very nice with our ice creams and drinks. However we didn’t get a meal here so I can’t comment on this.The only thing I would say is that they seemed a bit understaffed which led to long queues and also a lack of cleaning in the restaurant.

Good breakfast,nice place overlooking the lake,plenty of room fo groups to meet up before going walking around the lake

The cafe / visitor centre serves adequate food, but lacks any character. Llyn Brenig itself is a rather desolate & windswept place

Lovely food and a clean place to eat with stunning views over the lake. Definitely a place to bring the family, we go regularly

Stunning location with nice food served by friendly courteous staff. Parking nearby with facilities for disabled .

Always pop in here when in this part of North Wales. Great views while having something to eat and drink. Reasonable prices. Reasonable choice. Friendly helpful staff. Outside area if the weather is OK. Good visitors centre attached

Had a meal here after walking around the lake. Really good basic food, served piping hot by friendly staff and at a reasonable price. Remember that this facility is in the middle of the countryside and appreciate the trouble it takes to get supplies and staff there and also look at the outstanding view before criticising.

This cafe is in an outstanding location in the roof gables of the Lyn Brenig Visitor Centre. Stunning views over the lake, but without adequate air conditioning, like a hot house. Very difficult for Disabled to access. Could be superb in the right hands.

Came here after a bike ride and had a hot chocolate and a piece of rocky road. Would come back probably for a full English breakfast

Stopped here with my husband after a walk around the lake. Didn't get a warm welcome as such, but when ordering our food the girl who served us seemed nice enough. I had a latte and a scone served with butter, jam and cream. The cream was whipped from a can which was a shame, but the coffee I had was quite nice.

I've been riding up to Brenig from the Chester / Wrexham area several times per year (often with other members of our cycling club) and always stop at the cafe for cakes & coffee.

The cafe is clean, well looked after with helpful friendly staff and the food was decent however I wouldn't make it a regular stopping off place because you have to pay to park, service was slow at a slightly busy time ( a third of the tables were occupied) and it is very expensive.

Fantastic view of reservoir and surrounding hills. Service very good, pleasant friendly staff. Food is affordable . The menu will never compete with the Ivy Restaurant, but lunch is standard fare that will satisfy a family’s hunger pang , all served in a clean and pleasant environment. Whats not to like.

After a walk around the site went in the cafe, nice and clean, good clean furniture plenty of tables with some on balcony. Reasonable prices and good selection of tea, coffee and food. Yes I will go back.

The title says it all. A very convenient place to have a drink and a bite to eat but the prices are on the high side for what you get. I don't know whether the concession is privately owned or whether Wels Water has anything to do with it but they are virtually London prices. £6,75 for a basic Jacket Potato.

We visited here as a family with children after a walk. We didn’t have food so can’t comment, but we all had cakes which were really good! All homemade by the looks of things and plenty to choose from! We particularly liked the Mars cake! Tea was served in a big mug, would have preferred a pot and to add your own milk. Reasonably priced will visit again.

I Visit Lyn Brenig frequently it's a beautiful place, the cafe has the most stunning outlook over the lake and surrounding area with seating in or outside on the terrace ....

3 times I have been turned away. Yesterday they closed early, as has happened before. I have also been refused service because"they are expecting a large party".. They have set opening hours, they need to stick to them and not close on a whim. It is not as if you can go to the cafe next door. Very unprofessional. I have previously rated it highly but will not go there in future.

We stopped off for a quick snack before our walk. Ordered a bacon toasty, a bacon and egg toasty, two chocolate bars and two hot drinks. Cost £16.43. I went to my table to await the food and decided to return to the counter to query the steep cost. It turns out they had charged £5.50 for the toasty's rather than £3.95 for a bacon sandwich; which by the way, would have included three fillings. Also the £5.50 version was supposed to come with side salad, coleslaw and dressing. It didn't. when I explained this to the people behind the counter, they said there was nothing they could do. The price, they say was right and it was an oversight not to include the salad etc. We were left feeling we had been ripped off. On any ground £16.43 is a lot for that. Won't go again.

Beautiful location. Even the drive to the cafe is nice. Visited last month in the snow to have a hot chocolate an a cake.

Admittedly a busy Sunday afternoon, but ....... almost every table taken and when one became available we were quick to sit at. Thankfully the previous occupants had cleared their own plates etc but the table was still very “grubby”, at no time did I notice anyone actually wiping a table down.

Went here for a coffee and cake, both were very nice. Great view from the cafe over the lake, nice to see parking spaces for motorcycles.

Stopped in here for a quick bite after 3 hours on the hills. Super clean, great views, friendly service. The coffee and cake were very good. Would come back again.

Having spent a lovely morning around the lake. We were ready for a hot cuppa and something to eat. Yes...

We stopped at the café whilst having a walk round the lake and sat on the terrace outside to enjoy the good view. We had a hot chocolate and apple juice, both good, and a cake each - one too sickly and one average - from the limited choice. Staff seemed in a rush and not welcoming. This place had the feeling that all their food was shipped in from bulk suppliers elsewhere, so rather pre-packaged quality. Shame they didn't have something with more of a home made feel. OK but not great.

You can sit inside or outside and have great views of the lake and surrounding countryside. We stopped by for...

The food was amazing and cheap, everyone there looked like they were enjoying themselves and the cafe staff were kind

Popped into here for a quick bite to eat after looking around Llyn Brenig. There is plenty of cakes available to go with your tea/coffee, and the staff were very friendly. However the best part of the cafe is the view looking out onto the lake - if you are able to, sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the views first-hand whilst enjoying a hot beverage! There's nothing better!

Utilizamos este como una parada en boxes mientras conduce el triángulo evo. Yo taza de té y un trozo de jamón bizcocho.

We always stop here on our trips to North Wales. Great views. Good coffee and choice of cakes. Never managed to sit on fantastic outside terrace as always been too cold or windy. Shame

Had the all day breakfast which was excellent, service quick, staff friendly, sat indoors near the window so had a great view of the water and surrounding area

Eating out with my fiancé and we decided to goto the beautiful Llyn Brenig for lunch. On arrival into the cafe the place was clean and tidy which is always a good start. As we were queuing to order our food we saw the employees handling all the food with their bare hands. Each employee was also wearing nail polish while doing so. One of the girls working here even wiped her hands on her jeans and continued to handle people's food before serving. I was totally disgusted by what I saw and decided to put my complaint to the girl taking the orders. This girl did not care at all, she even turned her head away and barely responded, clearly knowing her and her colleagues were completely in the wrong. I then decided to take a peek into the kitchen where I saw one of the girls picking and eating as she was cooking peoples food.I am not one to complain, especially on trip advisor, but the public need to know what actually goes on here. I hope on reading this that something will be done to combat these issues.

A nice place for a stop and have a coffee, lovely scenery and nice surroundings, food is moderately priced......

As the weather warms it was time to blow the dust off the tackle and return to Brening in search of trout.No fishing trip would be complete without a hearty breakfast. Fishermens breakfast is a winner regardless if you have a fishing rod with you or not.After 5 hours fishing we also managed coffee and cake. One of my favourite places

We visited here whilst on holiday not far away. The cafe was a welcome respite from the March weather. Lovely drinks and a lovely view over the reservoir, watching the weather roll in. Also a nice space to watch the birds on the feeders.

Nice views over the reservoir on a cold wet windy day. Fairly quiet, staff very polite. Good choice of good , hot or cold snacks and meals but we only had hot drinks which were nice enough.Nice to watch the birds on the feeders whilst sat in the warm.

What a lovely cafe, good quality food and nicely presented. We sat outside on the balcony overlooking the lake with the dog. The cafe was spotless, so perhaps has been addressed since previous poor review was posted.

Stale cakes, cold beans and grubby cutlery and sticky tables. Please get some management to take an interest and raise the standards. We locals notice when standards drop and we want to be round of our local cafe. It is hit and miss taking visitors there now when it used to be so reliable.

We always stop here on our way home from north wales. Usually drive Evo Triangle first but roads too icy this timeSeveral people in the cafe as it was over lunchtime. Ambience was spoilt by a group of 3 who though the whole cafe wanted to here their conversation! It wasn't that interesting!!??Food and drink good served by cheerful staffWe will return in the springtime

We had camped nearby and stopped here for cooked breakfast. Food was served quickly after order, at table with great view, and at a good price. Food and drink were fine. Car park is £2 all day, including drivers with a Blue Badge, which is a bit harsh.

Been calling here for many years and the food is awful everything is deep fryed even the bacon shame as it used to be nice food

We went there a in July 2016 and we're about to dip our feet in on a got day when we noticed the water was a red colour...on further investigation the red substance was being dumped through waste pipes leading from the centre into the lake. When we queried this with dwr cymru we were told that it was treated toilet water...definately not water we want to have our kids swimming in. Our advice? Stay out of the water!

We visited for a two day trip with the West Midlands Police fly-fishing section and sampled a well-cooked and tasty fisherman's breakfast in the cafe. The staff were friendly and welcoming and it was the ideal way to start our fishing trip. It's on the agenda now for future visits... Thank you!

The views from the cafe is outstanding. The food was cooked to order. Very clean. The staff was helpful. They had high chairs. The selection of food was really good. Catered for all ages and tastes.

Lovely views from the cafe, the hot chocolate was very nice its just a shame the cakes weren't very fresh ( as they aren't cheap)Overall nice little cafe but prices are on the expensive side

Very nice today 05/06/16.Bright clean environment.Good service.Good food, we chose the sandwich and it was quickly made and served as requested with salad plus pots of tea. Charge reasonable for a Sunday lunchtime.

The food here is s sometimes Realy good and sometimes not so good Brekki is all fryed and tastes of oil But the rest seems to be ok

After a lovely but cold walk, me and the family decided to pop in to get a hot drink and some food, it was almost 3 when we arrived at the cafe, after looking at the basic but alright menu we decided upon some hot food too, when we were served it had turned to 3pm and the waitress said we are no longer doing food, but there was no where saying they stop food at certain times. So instead we ordered cake a drink for the waitress to use a untensil along with her hand to put the cake on the plate! The cake was ok but slightly on the dry side. Don't think I will be returning back here

I visit Llyn Brenig about two to three times a year as it is my favourite fishery. The cafe staff are very friendly and you don't wait long at all for the food. After asking the waitress for no mushrooms on my fishermans breakfast I was offered an extra sausage or extra slice of bacon. I Highley recommend stopping here if you are passing by.

Lovely views, great location, nice basic menu,On our visit today only 14 customers,Waited 35 minutes for our food,Food was very nice but a bit on the expensive side, £7.50 for a burger!Staff really nice and friendly.

Tasty cakes and a great view across the lake. The staff were friendly and the cafe was very clean and bright. Tea in a big mug too!

This is a really nice modern space serving a good selection of savoury and sweet items, and the coffee was good too. Unlike a previous reviewer, we didn't find the prices high at all . the views from the front are wonderful, and there is an outdoor terrace. The only problem was there was only one young lady serving which meant tables weren't being cleared and it all looked a bit messy, but it wasn't her fault, she was doing her best. There did seem to be a couple of other people around, but they were just milling and didn't seem to have a real purpose, and they could have at least helped her clear tables. Recommended though after a lovely walk around the reservoir.

I often stop here for coffee and cake when riding over this way from Chester. The cakes are very good, especially the brownies. I've never had any problems with service, although since I tend to visit mid-week it is often quite quiet. They're happy to refill water bottles. The views are great, and it's easy to keep an eye on the bikes outside.

This cafe is set in the magnificent setting of the Lake Brenig Visitor's Centre. It is just a little way North of the busy A5.I do a 100 mile round trip to enjoy the ride out in the beautiful scenery and the amazing fisherman's breakfast. It is freshly cooked by friendly staff and is the best breakfast North of Dolgellau. Very reasonable priced for what you get

As the title says, needed a warm cuppa and cake after being round the lake.Looks like cafe has been renovated recently and the new decking would be nice when sun is shining.

This is a beautiful cafe in a beautiful setting and has a lovely glass front so you can see the lake. My issue however is that the prices are ridiculous. This is a shame because local people probably don't want to shell out that much whereas a tourist may not mind as a one off. I've just paid £15.00 for food for myself and my baby daughter. The food isn't anything to shout about at the price the cafe charges. Think basic pub scran

Visited Llyn Brenig for a walk in the Snow this weekend, expecting the Cafe to be closed however I was pleasantly surprised to find it was open as normal! Friendly staff, good lunch-style food and for being quite remote I found the prices are pretty reasonable. Cafe is clean and spacious and has excellent views out over the lake and surrounding hills. Also feel like mentioning on such a cold day, was nice and warm inside!

very clean and spacious, decent menu, very good service but bit pricey tea and coffee.Excellent views of the dam

Just had a beautiful bacon, brie & cranberry baguette. The baguette was toasted with melted brie on, yummy Latte was hot. Friendly staff. Good selection with homemade cakes. Must visit after a long walk or bike ride round Brenig Lake.

After walking halfway round the lake and back to the visitor centre we decided to have a bite to eat in the cafe I had the fisherman's breakfast and my wife had baked potato with chilli mince filling,omg not only are the views stunning from this cafe but the food I must say was exceptional after walking for an hour and a half and missing lunch I was starving but the food they placed in front of me was to the point of being too much to consume consisting of egg,two bacon,two hash brown,two sausage,two toast along with mushrooms and beans my wife's potato was equally enormous,brilliant value for a place you could miss if you were looking for an afternoons walk and great food to boot definatly more than just a cafe and well worth a visit off the beaten track.

Although the area itself is stunning and a good visitor centre, the cafe is terrible. Only 2 staff on duty and one was sat playing on her mobile phone whilst the other made real hard work of producing an excuse for a ham sandwich and two coffees. Will visiting Llyn Brenig again but will give the caff a miss...

Quite noisy today with lots of kids. Service a bit slow, only 3 staff. Coffee from machine was fine. Cakes looked tempting. Good views from balcony over Llyn Brenig

This venue is wonderful. Great views over the reservoir while you eat. Seats at the front have best views. Side seats have the view spoilt by the sloping roof. Very popular. We only had coffee and cake. But service was polite and efficient.

Good location and views. We go there often. The problem is that when you have ordered and paid for your food you get no receipt stating what you have ordered, no spoon or number or any other evidence of your order. We ordered our meals, which arrived promptly, half way through eating, waitress returned stating that we hadn't paid for our chips and accused us taking someone else's order. We had received what we had ordered but still ended up paying double for the chips (which according to their own printed menu were one pound with what we ordered but the waitress was adamant was £2.50 as it was considered a side order). Luckily I had the credit card receipt to demonstrate that we had actually paid for our food but this did not have a breakdown of what we had ordered.Absolutely shocking customer service.

Good location and views. We go there often. The problem is that when you have ordered and paid for your food you get no receipt stating what you have ordered, no spoon or number or any other evidence of your order. We ordered our meals, which arrived promptly, half way through eating, waitress returned stating that we hadn't paid for our chips and accused us taking someone else's order. We had received what we had ordered but still ended up paying double for the chips (which according to their own printed menu were one pound with what we ordered but the waitress was adamant was £2.50 as it was considered a side order). Luckily I had the credit card receipt to demonstrate that we had actually paid for our food but this did not have a breakdown of what we had ordered.Absolutely shocking customer service.