Merlin’s Training Restaurant in Carmarthenshire

We had a super Christmas lunch, we had lots of choice. The service was very friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. We all had a lovely time.

This is Carmarthen’s best kept secret dining spot. The students at the catering college produce and deliver great quality food and service at an incredibly low price. Today we had salmon trio, smoked, poached and beetroot gravlax, served with a deliciously dressed salad. From the choice of 4 main courses, we both went for turkey and trimmings, beautifully served with a generous portion of tasty fresh vegetables. Then Baileys and white chocolate swirl cheesecake. The whole dish was excellent. The strawberry sauce served with it was packed with flavour and worthy of a mention. This is the third occasion for me to dine here and the standard of cuisine is regularly high. And the festive meal today for a mere £18 each was tremendous value. Added bonus, the fundraising guess the weight of the Christmas cake was won by me, so a large fruit cake will be gratefully added to our Christmas stash.

Recommended by friends and got to say really good. This is a training restaurant run by the College and all staff are training to work in the hospitality, waiting ,bar and chefs. Yes they are a little nervous but all in all we were efficiently and politely served to a good standard. The food was really good and I have paid a lot more for less quality at renown restaurants. Good sized portions and delicious. 3 course meal with drinks for 2 worked out at less than £50!!! Including tip. Total value for money. When you go please remember these are young people just starting out in this industry, so yes you will get shaking hands serving you and the conversation might be a bit stilted, so cut them a bit of slack if there is an occasional spillage or they don’t respond to you as quickly as you would like. They are trying their best and being judged in everything they do and say.. Well done and good luck in your chosen profession.

Merlins restaurant provides practical experience for catering students and my review takes this into account. The dining room is well decorated and spotlessly clean, tables are dressed with crease free white linen table cloths carefully laid with full place settings of cutlery and a dish of curled butter. Students aew smartly dressed in similar black and white, when serving customers all are very polite though some are a little nervous and lacked confidence in dealing with customers which was to be expected. Food, the lunch menu had 3 choices of starters, mains and desserts all quality dishes, well presented with trays of fresh vegetables and potatoes. The price of £12.50 for a 3 courses lunch represents exceptional value, service at times is a little tardy but remember these are trainees. Lunch is served during term time on Wednesday and Friday and dinner on Thursday evenings. Booking is essential by phoning 01554 748268. This is well worth supporting, good food at a reasonable price.

Excellent value for money, a three course menu with a good choice of meals. Young waiters & waitresses require some leeway as they learn their trade. Patience required.

This restaurant is part of Coleg Sir Gar / Carmarthenshire College that train young people for the hotel trade. The meals are superbly presented and worth every penny. The young staff are welcoming, sociable and competent..indeed they are a credit to the College and an example to many a hotel in the area. Check their website for opening times and do phone to reserve a table.

This restaurant is attached to the college in Carmarthen and is used to give the catering students some real life experience in catering for and serving customers in a restaurant setting. I was incredibly impressed by the quality and presentation of the food. I honestly don’t think I have had anything nicer in a top restaurant. The training is headed up by Peter in the kitchen who seems to be doing an excellent job. The decor is tastefully done and so making it a pleasant environment to sit and enjoy your meal. And at £10 for a three course lunch it’s an absolute no-brainer. We had a delightful few hours with family over a delightful meal with excellent service. Booking essential and only operates during term times.