Refreshment Rooms in Neath Port Talbot

We came to The Refreshment Rooms with a large group of friends (pre-booked) and were allocated our own room. The decor and atmosphere is so authentic, the staff were friendly and helpful, the coffee was excellent and we are determined to return, next time for a meal as the food smelt divine.

Booked for 9 of us for my sons 18th, asked if the cake could be taken was told there was nowhere to put it! Vegetarian menu not great and the veggie burger awful. Bar staff was amazing though.

Although the meal was nice. The portion was shocking. I had peppered chicken with rice and chips. I had about 6 chips served in a chrome basket. I don’t have s big appetite. But the meals look nothing like they do on their site

Beautiful affordable food , went as a party of 11 so we had to sit on two separate tables that was the only downside , could not fault the food , it all came out the same time , and no complaints at all. Nothing like other establishments who rip you off by jumped up beer prices, everyone was gobsmacked by the prices almost 40% cheaper than you would expect to pay.

We wanted a takeaway dinner got given a tub of gravy between two people which was half full went back in to the establishment and asked for more gravy they charged me an extra £ 4.00 for two tubs as we had 4 meals dropped off meals to my mum spoke to her later and she said the same thing as me the potatoes weren’t even cooked won’t be returning.

I had a stunning 10oz Ribeye steak which was so tender together with a really tasty pepper corn sauce. My wife had a gorgeous lasagna and garlic bread. Best pub meal we have had in a long time and we will definitely be back 👍

What a great find ! 15 of us for dinner in this friendly pub and the efficiency of the service puts many other places to shame. All of very happy with our food and the Friday night atmosphere with great music afterwards. We will 100% be back here in 2024

Wouldn't recommend at all absolutely disgusted at the way we where treated here today, being charged at and stod nose to nose by the chef and owner who was asked repeatedly to back up. All because he didn't like that I complained about a curry that was disgusting with dry hard chicken in it. All this infront of a baby too. We complmented him on the other meals and said we had no other issue and would happily pay for everything else. I will say my partner was a little out of order saying 'this is fin shocking' but I don't think we should have been charged at and left feeling threatened and shook up.

Went for a family meal here, all the meals were lovely, the waitress was very pleasant. When we booked we had to pay a £5.00 per person deposit total of £45.00 that wasn't an issue. The issue was one of our party eats very little so decided to have a starter as a main meal, which we were told by the waitress that the £5.00 deposit would be lost as they couldn't take it off the bill. In our opinion this should be explained when booking

A real locals pub, but with a warm welcome. Dogs allowed. :) Vegan options on the menu (not just curry and burger) Vegan dessert today was jelly and icecream. :) Really friendly staff and locals.

I booked Sunday Lunch here on the 10th July 2022. This was for my wife and myself( both vegetarians) and two adult friends. All the meals were excellent being tasty, high quality and good portions. The nut roast was home made and very tasty. The other pork and chicken dinners were also brilliant. We sat outside and were quickly served by very friendly and attentive waitresses. They could not do enough for us. The setting is a disused railway station deep in the heart of the Afan Valley. This is a beautiful area that compares to any mountainous setting you can find in Europe. It is crying out for development but needs to retain it's natural beauty. Please go to the area and have food in the Refreshment Rooms.It is unpretentious but simply serves up excellent food in a homely atmosphere. I cannot recommend this enough. It is worth six stars. To all the staff thank you for the experience. We will return soon.

We had a takeaway Sunday lunch today for the first time and it was absolutely delicious. Beef was tasty and tender. Vegetables perfectly cooked and delicious gravy. Portion was generous and the whole meal was well packaged. Picking up was service with a smile! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

First time visit. Initially hard to find but so worth it. Very warm welcome by the staff and customers there. Very reasonable priced drinks and the Sunday roast was excellent. A little too good as ate enough to make me feel unwell so had to have a lie down later that day. Well def be going back there even for a day trip. (we stayed at a local campsite when we visited) Well done all the staff here.

I very rarely review so this says it all.... What a little gem we have in our valleys... I can't believe that I have never heard of this place before. Coming from Bridgend with my family on a camping trip with 6 small dogs... We were welcomed with open arms to the point where we felt we must return the following day for the most delicious Sunday lunch. The beef was so tender melt in your mouth and potatoes were the best I've had. As for the Winbeery crumble and custard, all I can say is Wow! ❤️ My sister and bro in law are veggies and were also very impressed with not only the serv2 but the beautiful Nut Roast served. Staff were so friendly and attentive. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything served together in military fashion with good portion sizes. We will most definitely be returning to this beautiful pub/restaurant with its quirky decor and friendly customers. 💯 % for all categories. We look forward to returning soon. Thank you all for a wonderful weekend ❤️

We had a family meal. The setting was lovely. A variety of meals were ordered . Everyone commented on how nice food was. Very reasonable prices The best asset of the refresh was the staff they were so friendly and helpful . We can't recommend them enough .

Me and my family visited here for a birthday meal. Great value for money and the food was delicious. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and we had a great table.

Came with family my mum had the fish it was huge couldn't eat it all she said batter was so light delicious she said.i had the lasagne it was really nice huge portions

We had lunch here today. The food was excellent . My mum had the fish that had a light batter on and she said it was the nicest fish she had eaten out for a very long time. My 19month old grandson had scampi and a baked potato . It was a pleasure to see him eat his lunch although he did also demand some of his fathers chips with tomato sauce. His fathers burger was soon demolished my husband and I had the lamb rump steak and we both remarked on the way home that it was the nicest meal we had out for a while we will definitely be visiting again

My husband,myself & a few close family members went for a meal after we had attended a relatives funeral.The meal was outstanding,we all ordered different meals but all of us said how excellent the food was & that we would all go again

Positive, warm recommendation. All food arrived at the same time. Friendly, local people helped us to choose beers. The burger quality - perfect. Thanks

Like a lot of people we stopped here having cycled up through the Afan Forest. Calling in on a week day lunch time I wasn't expecting much to be on the menu given the weather and it being out door dining only. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to be told that the full menu was available. There's a good choice of grills along with the usual pub favourites. We sat on the covered decking area where there are plenty of blankets supplied to keep out the cold. Part of the deck is screened too so you can avoid the weather if it's a bit windy or wet. We ordered the lasagne which was obviously home made and delicious and was served with a generous helping of chips , garlic bread and a side salad. The fish and chips was also amazing. Beautiful chips with possibly the biggest piece of fish I've ever had. It wasn't just big though it was really well cooked and so tasty. The staff are really friendly and the views all around are stunning. Will definitely be back and fingers crossed the sun is shining next time!

We stayed in the local village (Cymmer) for a couple of days for a short break. I had searched the internet for a local pub for an evening meal. I booked before we left home and turned up on the evening I had booked. We ordered our dinner and had a very short wait. Wow! Was the wait worth it! I had an absolutely fabulous mixed grill, which had been cooked to perfection! My wife had the surf ' turf - again, done to perfection! I personally, am not a chip eater, but thought I'd try these because they looked delish! I wasn't wrong! I don't know what sausages they use but they too, were wonderful! I would recommend the Refreshemnt Rooms to anyone. The staff and regulars were sooo friendly!

Had a family meal there 28 July 2020 food was absolutely beautiful FISH cooked to perfection kids meals burger chips and ice cream £4.50 happy kids ate the lot Vegetarian lasagne was fab 6 people ate for £72 main meals desserts and drinks cant fault it service excellent Would recommend 100%

Fab rest spot , went on a bike ride with he family Stopped here and had hot drinks and breakfast rolls x Lovely fresh products , really good value and lovely service :) Can’t wait to go again

Visited with family today, all our meals, sides and desserts were absolutely beautiful and it always makes a difference when 'real' chips are served. Service was excellent and atmosphere warm and inviting. Can't wait for our next get together here.

Visited today for an impromptu drink and lunch with my parents and was very happy with my visit. Lovely service and location. Looks like it'd be lovely on the decking in the summer. Lovely food and hot chocolate!

Enjoyed our lunch. Waitress was very pleasant. However landlord could take a leaf out of her book. It was a lovely get together in a lovely country pub.

Off the cuff visit having been the before. Excellent meal, Fish and Chips, £6-50 value for money. Will go again.

Had a meal here with friends. All enjoyed the meals. My Lasagne was tasty but a little too cheesy for my taste. Garlic bread was a little disappointing toasted on one side and buttered with garlic butter

Went here for a family birthday meal 14 of us, food was amazing! Best steak we had for a while, portions were very generous and reasonable priced too! Especially for what we had! Will def be going here again. Service from the girls were also great too! Food came out very quickly and they made sure that we had all what we had ordered etc. Thank you.

At the end of an 8 mile walk around the fabulous area of Cymmer 14 of us descended the Refreshment Room for lunch. They couldn't do enough for us - excellent. A large variety of meals on the lunchtime menu and very reasonably priced.Our orders were varied. Jacket Potatoes, Hunters Chicken, Plain Chicken, Gammon. Most of the meals came with chips, coleslaw and a side salad. Little bit of a wait as it was all cooked fresh but it all came together and everyone of us enjoyed our meals.Beer terrace out the front, two bars, restaurant, wonderful decked area at the back and a beer garden. It was fabulous. A real hidden gem. Bit hard to find, but people are always willing to point you in the right direction.I will certainly be visiting again. In fact, I can't wait. Open every day until 12.00 with entertainment on weekends. Thank you for your warm and professional welcome.

Popped in for a drink on bank holiday Monday, lovely day so sat outside in the sun. Visited again on Saturday night, place was busy with a party in the back but had a drink in the bar, haven't had anything to eat here yet but will definitely be back to try it. My favourite pub at the moment.

called in early evening tuesday 18 september for a drink. we looked at the menu and decided to have a meal as there was so much tempting choices on it! Hubby had the gammon - he said it was the best he had ever tasted. I the butterfly chicken with bbq sauce - delicious also. Both came with plenty of chips and salad and peas. In fact we could not find room for dessert unfortunately. We were made very welcome and Bethan was really lovely to us, as were all the staff. Lovely unusual place (old railway station) which added to the charm. We would not hesitate to recommend this place and we will be returning soon for another lovely experience. Thankyou so much Bethan and your staff for making our visit such an enjoyable one. 10 out 10! ps cant wait to try sunday lunch with you.

Great to visit after a day MTB on the trails. Friendly team and good beer. Pool table as well and whilst a short trip, we can't wait to go back. Food was fully booked so couldn't try but they gave a good reccomendation for a local takeaway.

Stopped in during a bike ride for food and drinks only to be told they would not take my food orders because the chef had two orders in and there was a table of 8 booked in half an hour later.

I ordered garlic mushrooms to start and what I received I can only describe as some kind of mushroom korma with a hint of garlic....very odd!! The portion was ridiculously big too! The bread that accompanied it wasnt fresh either. My main was lasagna which was quite good! However...the garlic bread :/ I think garlic paste had been used rather than actual garlic as there was a tangy sour taste to it. If you aren't going to make it properly then just but it ready made. My husband took a piece from my plate as I left it and took a bite and his face was a picture!!

Definitely recommend this place, good food, really nice staff and very reasonable. Make sure you book in advance as they get really busy especially at the weekend.

I visited for meal with my wife last Saturday and had a lovely meal, good size Rib Eye steak which was cooked to exactly the way i wanted, the prices of meals are very reasonable. When we first got in we were welcomed by a lovely barmaid who was very welcoming and instantly made you feel welcome, good price on Beer as well. The only reason i gave 4 stars was the wait for our table, we booked for 6.30pm but did not get seated until gone 7.00pm. The restaurant is small and cosy at the back of the pub which is really nice. This was my first visit and will not be my last, overall a great pub and lovely staff. I feel awful for knocking a point off for the wait as we had a lovely time

My wife and I called in for dinner recently after hearing good reports about this restaurant. We were not disappointed. We received a very warm welcome from the owners and their team. We sat in the restaurant area of the venue, but there are eating options in the two bars and parlour too. There is a good choice of food on offer. We went for the steamed cod and chicken for main course, both arrived without delay and were delicious. As we were going on to an event we didn’t try any of the desserts, but we’ll be back soon to put that right! Overall, a great place to eat; good value, delicious home cooked food and nice people - what’s not to like.

Didn't have a meal but had a pint. Just the one real ale on tap, and it is served much too cold unfortunately. Needs to be served at 13°. Lovely pub though.

Had a lovely meal out with family. Excellent service. Cosy atmosphere would imagine it to be a lovely place on a summers evening. Would defiantly recommend a visit.

Called here with wife and elderly mother with our 3 dogs after a walk in the Afan Valley.

The pub in village of Cymmer is a popular place with great beer.

The steak was amazing cooked to perfection the staff were all friendly welcoming great place I had a great time

Caminamos con un grupo de amigos de la actualización a Pontrydyfen estuvimos una hora o así y lo disfrutamos la espléndida acogida de la gerencia y el personal, la comida era fabulosa, paisaje fantástico y en un líquido caliente refrescos día era de primera clase. Aunque todos somos de Weight Watchers volveremos, Gracias a todos.

Visitamos hoy con un grupo de familia. Ordenados y preguntó si podrían verificar si el helado era sin gluten. La respuesta fue "estamos ocupados para". Actitud muy pobre que resultó en 2 niños y 1 adultos no podía comer, otros no pedir un postre como no justa en el resto del grupo. Actitud muy pobre a una necesidad médica.

En coche desde Cardiff, tardamos un poco tímido de una hora para llegar a este maravilloso pub. He pasado mientras cruzamos en años anteriores, nunca había aventurado en - algo que ahora lamento! . Ignorando el acogedor, el personal es atento y la gastronomía abundante en oferta, el edificio en sí es una joya, cada habitación tiene su propio carácter.

Iv written on review about the refresh a few weeks ago but i went there agian on Tuesday evening with...

Una cálida bienvenida, un ambiente encantador, excelente comida y bebida, el fuego, no podíamos pedir más! Bethan y Neil son los anfitriones perfectos! !

Un lugar encantador poco parada para una bebida, café o alcohol. Servicio amable y muy limpia y ordenada. La pareja fue cálido y acogedor en una mañana fría y húmeda. Tenía una preciosa chimenea. Definitivamente volveré de nuevo.

La actualización es un lugar excelente no importa qué época del año en que vayas.

Visited today on a family bike ride - had a drink - will be stopping for food next time. Gorgeous spot, really friendly welcoming staff, food hygiene rated 5*. We're looking forward to going back soon!

It is called the "Refreshment Rooms" and as we were travelling as a group in four cars we previously phoned to check that they would open in the morning for coffee/tea and a nibble.The response was yes of course.Unfortunately, although they were open and the staff friendly, they had nothing suitable to eat. In fact they didn't even have bread to make toast, saying they would pop out for some if we insisted. (Some Welsh Cakes in the freezer could be useful as they only take minutes to thaw.The coffees and teas were fine but we then left.All we ask of places is that they are honest and should say if they cannot provide what we were asking. Such a shame as the novelty of the old railway waiting room interesting.They are a pub and a restaurant serving lunches and dinner"s

My most recent visit over the 'inclement' Easter weekend just underlined what a fantastically friendly pub this is. We were in the area taking advantage of the excellent mountain bike trails at Glyncorrwg and Afan and decided to pop in for a couple of pints on our ride back to the campsite, the weather was 'challenging' to say the least and even in our less than pristine riding kit we found a space in the bar next to the pool table (respectful of the furnishings) we found a seat next to the fire and enjoyed several pints of good Guinness, got involved in the raffle for the local football team and received a warm welcome from the staff and customers alike. We were included in the offer of food for the team and several hours later left with happy memories. We returned the next day (not quite as 'damp and dirty') and again enjoyed the beer and atmosphere, the roast lunch looked and smelled delicious and judging by the clean plates tasted good too. With good beer, good food and an excellent atmosphere it's a winner.

Wonderful food, great service, friendly Landlord and Staff. To top our Friday night off they had a local Folk band playing who covered 60 70's Irish and Welsh numbers. You will struggle to find a better Friday night's entertainment in South Wales!!!!

We fell in love with this pub when we went which was a culmination of different reasons. We drank the larger every day so can't comment on the real ales but the larger was very clean and fresh. The food was good. Nothing that is absolutely amazing but just good wholesome pub food. The locals are very welcoming especially considering one day was England vs Wales in the 6 Nations and England won. The banter was brilliant and was even given free hot dogs. By the end it felt like our local. One note is that they don't serve food on Sunday evening.

We finally got to eat at this establishment and so glad we made the effort. An early mothers day treat we booked in for Saturday lunch. The menu was simple but had something for everyone. The cheesy garlic bread was delicious as was the garlic mushroom starter. For mains the burger was substantial and very well cooked and came in a good bun. The steak was a good size and cooked as requested. I had the chicken & gammon stack which again was cooked to perfe tion & very succulent. All the food and sides came out nice and hot too particularly the fresh crispy chips. All round off with accommodating service & a visit from Adrian the chef/owner. We will absolutely return. Thank you.

A great pint at the top of the Afan valley, just what is needed after cycling up from Aberavon Beach. :D

Food was great, locals were great, landlord was great...music wasn't Kelly Jones unfortunately, but we couldn't have it all!

Fantastic setting,staff polite,most importantly the food is top notch and reasonably priced. Been there twice recently and plan to go there on a regular basis.

food is always fresh steak is the best sunday lunch not to be missed very good selection of food available

We have stopped in Cymmer a few times now for the excellent mountain bike trails. Each time we look forward to the evenings when its time to stroll over the the bridge to the Refreshment rooms. The food is allways top notch, as is the beer. But best of all are the people, the staff and locals allways make you feel welcome and there is a a definate buzz about the place come quiz night. Gauntlets are laid down and old scores are set to be settled (we won last time we were here but got a sound thrashing this time round) There is no food on Sunday evenings but the landlord was kind enough to not only let us order food from the local chinese take away and eat in the restaurant area, he even provided plates and cutlery !Thanks once again for making this a great weekend.

We came across this establishment after completing a mountain bike trail of the Afan Forest. We only stopped for a drink, but the place was quaint, friendly and clean. We did did look at the menu which looked like your typical pub grub with noteable lamb dishes (well we are in Wales!). The locals we met whilst enjoying our drinks did recommended the food especially the sunday lunch, so it looks like we will have to return soon!

Went for a meal Valentine's night. Lovely atmosphere. Fab meal yet again.Always a warm welcome from staff and locals. Great choice on menu.

Had a lovely meal here, it was a Christmas girls night out. Everyone on my table of five really enjoyed their food. I was impressed to see loads of new vegetarian options on the menu. All in all a fab night out with live music in the bar after our meal.

Had a great time here...Landlord and staff were at the top of their game. Lovely location right on the edge of Afan trail. Good food and prices too

Just returned from a fabulous lunch at the 'refresh' with our walking group. This is truly a hidden gem and provides great food at a great price. Nine of us throughly enjoyed our meals - all presented beautifully, piping hot and with some of the best fish I've ever had. Certainly a cut above the usual 'pub fayre' that you see in the chain restaurants. Suffice to say that our hostess returned to the kitchen with nine clean plates! As we were a large party, we phoned beforehand to make sure that we could be accommodated and the manageress went out her way to make us welcome - customer service that is lacking in many places. A great pub/restaurant which we will certainly revisit, full of character, lovely food and staff and spotlessly clean. Well done to all concerned.

Went here for my mother's 50th birthday lovely food fabulous staff really attentive couldn't do enough for you lovely atmosphere would definitely recommend

This is a lovely little restaurant, the food is first class and so is the service. I recommend the railway wrecker if your hungry.

Had a good quick hot dog excellent prices great atmosphere friendly staff. Lots of photographs of the railway & local Coal mines great for nostalgia lovers. Lots of original features of tho old station, fireplaces with provision for real fires woodburner in main bar.Pub is a popular refreshment halt for cyclists using the many tracks in this area.Chatting to 'regulars' the restaurant has a good reputation for meals.

I love the refresh! Great atmosphere and great service. Always go here for birthdays/christmas or for a great meal! 5* food and always a lot to choose from

Popped in for a mid week pub lunch & the food was lovely, freshly cooked & good portion sizes. A great building with lots of character & history & old photos dotted around the walls. It's easy to miss as it's tucked away but well worth seeking it out!

Expectations where quite low as their website makes it look a bit like a Russian airport lounge but was very pleasantly surprised when we walked in. Tall ceilings, log burners, tasteful railway paraphernalia, really friendly staff, a pleasantly unhinged bar manager and a great menu of very filling food. Ideal after a hard day in the saddle in the hills.it was so good we went back the second night. 13 chaps with a substantial thirst ate and drank for several hours for just over £50 each. Brilliant.

had excellent meal in the refresh servic e is 1st class meal wonderful pub is spotless drinks are excellent breath taking views

Called in here for lunch today. A lovely Pub/Restaurant in a picturesque location. Food & Drink are of a good standard, served by friendly staff. I recommend it.

Food is always great and service friendly. Would like to see more vegetarian options but the ones they offer are always really good quality.

We visited this place a couple of times after days spent biking in Afan Forest. The staff and locals are very friendly (as long as you don't win the quiz night), and the food is decent and reasonably priced. The pub inhabits the old railway station and has plenty of local character - well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Nice local pub, lots of real local characters, great welcome, fine beer, nice walk home to Afan Argoed afterwards.Well worth a visit.

very nice friendly atmophere very good drinks on sale exelent food available sunday lunch not to be missed beef melt in your mouth with seasonal vegetables

We recently went here after a long day's mountain biking on Skyline. We were after food, beer and lots of it, which this place provided very well. Friendly staff and a good atmosphere. It's not gourmet, but that's not what you expect or want here really and the price is right.

Ive been there a few times for Sunday Dinner and I can only say the best comments. Very happy with the food and it was a pleasant enough restaurant. When it has been full which is often I have gone further up the valley to the Tunnel Hotel in Abergwnfi where again the food is excellent especially the home made coleslaw. Comapring the two the Old Station has the better location where it is placed in Glyncorrwg however the quality of the food in both is exceptional.