Y Branwen Restaurant in Gwynedd

We were looking for somewhere downtown harlech for a drink and food with our two boys, 9 and 14 years of age. We read the sign outside. Everyone welcome except for children. Dogs especially welcome. Adults only. A few of the local guys told me it's a swingers hotel where the dogs can get involved. Avoid. If you do want a good pint with holiday makers and locals all enjoying good food and drink and friendly conversation I would highly recommend walking an extra 200yds to the pub right next to the train station. Dogs, kids, humans all seem to be equally welcome

Stayed one night here and had the included breakfast. Spacious clean room, lovely staff & dogs, and a tasty breakfast. Would definitely return.

Excellent welcome and fantastic steak meal. Attentive host and clean, comfortable surroundings. Not rushed. Excellent bottle of wine. Not cheap but excellent value. Chef concerned about quality.

If you want a grown up experience with grown up company and grown up food this is an excellent choice. There is something for everyone on the menu, presented beautifully and cooked to perfection. Our host could not have been more accommodating and chef made an appearance to check that we were happy with our food. Storm and her sister were an added bonus throughout the evening and gave us a lovely welcoming howl. We shared our joy with our host over the one star reviews given here over the years and he was rightly unapologetic about the theme and ambience that he is endeavouring to provide his customers. If you are holidaying in Harlech or the surrounding area and want some fine dining then this is the place to go…..

We booked last I must say this truly is a hidden gem and an absolute must for any dog owner it is a hotel for dogs that accommodates humans. Extremely accommodating as our dog was very anxious but surprisingly settled there! Fantastic comfy bed sparkly clean and food was first class, dog allowed everywhere even when eat your meal in the restaurant which for us is a big fat bonus. Cannot recommend highly enough will definitely be back Thankyou so much to the owner and chef and everyone we met who were so lovely locals and all Kris and Paul Warren and Lilly 🐾🐾😊

Before we had got through the front door we were approached by the proprietor with one of his large dogs in a far from welcoming and unfriendly manner. He told us that they do not serve food to our grandchildren. We said that we knew but only wanted drinks. He rudely accused us of being rude. Sadly we proceeded to order a round of excessively expensive drinks. The bar was unheated and cold. We were the only customers. He repeated his false accusation of our rudeness. They present themselves as a "dog friendly"establishment. Be aware that the same welcome is not given to paying customers, especially families with young children. We will not be going there again. Avoid it.

I’d almost recommend a visit here, just to experience the place. It is surreal. Kafka-esque. The prices are ferocious but perhaps that’s because the staff are actually actors, involved in some form of live performance art. The vibe, straight from the get-go, is “come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough”. Now, if you do visit, wear a coat; because the bar is like a cold meat storage facility. Tantalisingly, there is a wood burning fire at one end, surrounded by firewood. But, alas, it remained unlit, sitting darkly in the gloom of a room where the curtains were drawn shut at 5pm. Children are not favoured here - that was made explicit to us even before we entered. Not permitted to eat. Thankfully, judging by other reviews, we were not there to dine. But adults are not much more welcome. Dogs, on the other hand, are lauded. If you have a dog, definitely bring it to this bar. But take yourself for a drink to the Queen’s Hotel, I would say, and pick it up later.

What a disappointment. I have no issue with places being kid free for dining. I do however have an issue with staff being outright rude to me and my family when simply dropping in for a quick bar drink. It’s totally unnecessary and as local people, we will not be returning. Shame, as it’s a great location and we would have loved to support the business.

Stayed one night as we're playing golf across the Rd at Royal St Davids. Great hotel very friendly staff, comfy room with huge bed.. Great breakfast as well..Definitely stay again !!!

Absolutely lovely. I am quite fussy about my steak and asked for a fillet to be medium to well done. Which is sacrilege for a chef! Wow did he get it right. Our dog was spoilt as we were. Really lovely host and fantastic ambiance. If I lived here I would be a regular visitor. Gin dog friendly and no kids. Also the French Malbec was divine

Rushed in and out within 40 minutes – from initial drinks at the bar upon arrival, through to end of meal. Food was very average and starter course portions were meagre. Drinks were over-priced relative to other local restaurants we visited during that week. Total bill was higher than all other local evening dining restaurants we visited. For reference and comparison, The Norbar and Y Sgwar restaurants offered a significantly better experience, both in terms of their food quality, ambience and customer experience and would happily recommend to others and revisit them both again, without question. Felt as though we had been short changed, both financially and in terms of our evening experience - this certainly wasn’t worthy of £100 dining! Feel a bit foolish for not taking the time to read the earlier comments from previous customers on Trip Advisor. I read feedback comments that pretty much mirrored our terrible experience – which left me with a sinking feeling afterwards. I do not understand the sense of this business model, as I would never wish to revisit Y Branwen or recommend it to anyone else? Short-term, maximum gain, I guess. I’ve learnt a uncomfortable lesson – please learn from me and spend your hard-earned money elsewhere!

Despite the other reviews, we found a friendly and courteous welcome. Food was good and honest, nice to have a proper hand made burger than a some trumped up frozen rubbish. A very dog friendly location so probably not the best if you are not a dog lover. Would visit again.

The restaurant is ok, especially if you like dogs, there were 5 when we went to eat! But the food was poor and really over priced. At £8.50 a small dollop of salmon and smoked salmon mousse, which tasted mostly of cream cheese and herbs, was served with shop bought ryvita - disappointing. The pork stroganoff was tasty but served with plain rice and boiled cabbage costing £24 was so over priced. Simarly the gammon in orange sauce came with rice and boiled broccoli, the sauce tasted peculiar and not much meat - that cosr £22. I know restaurants are struggling but I can cook better food than this at home so at least try and put a bit more effort in if you're going to charge such high prices

Rude barman. It was early evening and we had not long arrived in Harlech. Unaware we had to book. Bluntly told us no food. Yet 2 tables being served in dining area. Presume as the website any parties more than 4 are not welcome. There were 6 of us all drinking and all looking to eat. Your loss grumpy man you lost money turning us away!!!!!!

I should have read the reviews before entering this establishment. Mr Miserable sums them up. That earlier review mirrors my own experience. The place smells of dogs. Mine host Miserable broke off from serving in a half full restaurant to greet us, wet through on a rainy Sun night at 8:00pm. We asked for a table. Food? Oh No We’ve stopped serving long since. What about a ham sandwich ? Blank. Anything we’re starving? Blank. Directed us to Porthmadog 20 mins away by car and we were walking! Mr Miserable was as unhelpful as I have ever found a landlord to be. Shouldn’t be in the hospitality industry and tarnishes the reputation of Harlech.

Rude & Ignorant, don’t waste your time!! Walked in to a totally empty pub, asked if they were doing food. Was told we don’t do children as it says on the signs. Sorry Mr Miserable, we didn’t see your signs. What a rude, horrible man, I’m surprised you have any custom at all with that attitude. Ate at a lovely pub The Victoria, near the river in the next village. Great for families & highly recommend. Needless to say on our way home at 8pm the grumpy pub was closed, enough said!!

Absolutely disgusted!! I would never return here due to the unfriendly welcome from staff and the lack of professionalism in the food. We booked for a table at 6:30 but we’re told to arrive at 6:15 at the bar for a drink which u found quite rude and cheeky as they clearly just wanted us to spend money on more drinks. When seated for food , my partner had picked the £31 steak which he asked for medium-rare. While waiting for our food the waitress came over and told us they have ran out of peppercorn sauce which was £3.50 odd ! So we asked to change the meal for something else but we’re told that because it’s already been cooked we had to eat it !!!! My partner was very disappointed as he wouldn’t have ordered the meal if he would’ve know prior to this before being sat down . When the food came the steak as under cooked and so we asked for it to be cooked more , when it came back it was still uncooked and the sauce had been taken away. My partner refused to eat the meal due to it being so poor (twice) and especially because it was quite expensive. The manager came over and had no apology at all! And seemed quite annoyed about what was wrong , we were not asked if we wanted any more drinks or desserts and were not asked about how my partners second meal was, the manger just plonked the receipt on the table and walked away !. Very unprofessional, unfriendly and poorly managed I will not coming back here and would definitely not recommend to anyone else ! Completely avoid!!

Really bad attitude by staff. Too busy to offer us a drink while waiting to be served. Ran out of some of the food even though it was early evening.

When we arrived we were warmly greated and got a drink whilst we read the menu. The menu had a good selection and we chose our starters and main courses and enjoyed our drinks, the atmosphere was very laid back and we had some lovely four legged friends for company. We were shown to our table and ate a fantastic, well paced meal which was reasonably priced and the drinks were also reasonably priced. Service was very good and nothing was too much trouble. We will definitely return next time we are in the area.

Asked for a table for 7pm, was told no! It has to be 6.30 and to arrive early to have a drink and look at menu. There was only me and my husband, a man and his dog and another couple and their dog. God knows why we couldn’t have our table at 7pm. The waitress was pleasant enough. The food was ok but very expensive and not a lot of choice, no accompaniments as had to pay extra for other veg or fries. Who wants salmon on a very small bed of what tasted to me like canned ratatouille. I had to pay £3.50 on top of the £20.50 price tag. Having read other reviews it seems to me that no effort is being made by the staff to offer a satisfactory dining experience. I honestly don’t know how this place is still open. All bookings have to be made by phone, there is no on line option. We certainly won’t be returning there. Overall very disappointing.

I have never left a bad review anywhere before. However I don't think I've paid this much for a meal this bad before. Weird system where you have to arrive early to have a drink at the bar before you eat - which they both...

Tried to book a meal for 6 pensioners by telephone on our first evening after travelling to Harlech and was told no large groups. Tried again for following evening, no tables for a group of four. We were successful on the third evening, although I...

A very pleasant appointed hotel. However we were looking for somewhere to go for a drink and possible meal. We bought drinks and sat at a table. We were the only people in the place - who would want to drink or eat in a...

I came here for food and a drink with my wife last week . I was greeted by 2 lovely young girls that was very friendly and happy to help. the food was absolutely amazing best food I have had in a very long time....

This was a terrible end to the day with violent staff and mouldy food.Me and my friends came here hoping for a lovely meal however when we were eventually shown to our table we found it was obviously unhealthy to eat on when we complained...

Absolutely awful!! Inedible food, aggressive staff, overpriced and wholly unpleasant. Please do not waste your time or money. The steak was inedible and burgers served in soggy buns. When we complained the waitress became aggressive. I asked to speak to the manager, the waitress lied...

Complained very politely and the blonde waitress actually kicked my dog! Food still half- frozen. I don’t know how they stay open

Stayed here for 1 night mid-November. As it’s out of season many places are closed. We were the only ones staying at the hotel so felt bad for them having to open and serve breakfast. The location is right opposite the Harlech Beach and a...

Popped in for a drink and were really impressed. Lovely welcome from the owners and dogs. Lovely and clean and modern inside. Will definitely come again and book for food next time.

Very average restaurant. Service was good and food was all to a decent standard and seemed fresh. The restaurant does well as it seems to be the only place open on a Sunday in Harlech.

Popped in for a pint - the bar prices are pretty steep for the area. The two dogs that 'live' there are gorgeous though

Staff was friendly, professional, and very helpful! Spotless interior, homey, and welcoming facility. We really enjoyed our meal here. My spouse had a king shrimp salad and I had an gammon dish. Both were outstanding. They were nicely presented and tasted as good as they...

This hotel is open to non-residents for dinner on every evening except Wednesday. Other restaurants are closed Sunday/Monday in Harlech. The hotel is at the foot of the castle hill, so no effort needed for access if based in one of the static caravan parks....

Everywhere in Harlech was either closed, not serving food or booked up so it was a pleasant surprise to find this bar/restaurant open . Enjoyed a lovely couple of G & Ts - lots of choice with good quality tonic. Meal was tasty, and the...

Booked this hotel for a 2-night break because it catered for dogs. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome and were given a lovely spacious corner room that was flooded with sunshine most of the day and a beautifully comfy king...

We were not shown to our table but invited to buy drinks at the bar; the table was bare and not laid (though we had booked in advance); the restaurant was cold and the manager blanked me when I mentioned this (log fire remained unlit);...

We went here over the Easter bank holiday, it had lovely staff and gorgeous dogs. We visited because we saw this advertised as a Gin Bar, we liked the selection of Gins they had but would’ve liked more local gins, and also a larger range...

I have been to many restaurants in my time but few if any have portrayed such a poor attitude by the manager which was even more unforgivable than the poor food. With a mid price menu you expect to be sitting in a proper restaurant...

If you are dog lovers, you will adore this place. We visited this pub whilst staying at the local caravan site. Impromptu visit on the Friday afternoon after wandering around historic and picturesque Harlech village, we were greeted by the most adorably friendly Husky dog...

The last night of our holiday in wales we decided to go somewhere we could walk to. As we walked in, there were Two very lovely dogs roaming the restaurant, this was not good as my son is highly allergic . The restaurant was cold...

If you visit this restaurant, please take some pedigree chum for the chefs huskies that beg at the table for food with their snout’s about a foot away from your food all during the meal. I understand unlike the staff that “Dogs Welcome” means that...

Popped in for a drink, the place is clean and tidy apart from the dog hairs on the seat but we don't mind that. Had a good chat with the barman (owner i guess). Looked at the menu and it did look really good, sadly...

One pint of cider and one glass of wine with one bottle of tonis water £13.00 same drink down the road at The Queens Hotel same drink £7.80 what can be said, The Queens offers a basis food menu however, the food is good the...

I think this place is missing a trick by their exclusionary policy in regards to children and yet allowing dogs into the premises. Having now visited the Y Branwen I now know that this is because the owners have their own dogs and are running...

Going by the number of stars, my husband and I thought we should try for ourselves. Fantastic location and view of the castle, unfortunately the menu wasn’t very good for me at least. So had to go with the gammon and chips, the gammon was...

I ate there last Friday, 10th September 2021, with two friends and their dog. We booked in advance, as advised. The food was excellent, including a good choice of vegetarian, and good value. Covid precautions were good without being intrusive. The staff were friendly and...

Would give it a 0 if could. Rude staff, asked if we was having food and when we said yes the man behind the bar said we are fully booked. Did look empty but to be fair could be expecting people. When went out to...

I have visited this pub on a number of occasions without fault, other than the London prices…! However I have visited the place twice in the last week only to be greeted by a rude obnoxious barman whose front of house skills leave little to...

We went for dinner and also popped in for a drink a few times during our stay in Harlech. I don’t recognise the negative reviews. We had an amazing meal, really good price. The owner is so nice and made a fuss of our dog...

My hubby popped in to see if we could book a table for a meal but was told abruptly by the owner we allow dogs but no kids. So hubby asked if we could have a table outside with the kids (ages 16 and 13)...

4 of us parked on the car park to go and get some food and a drinks and decided to walk down the road a few yards to get a better look of the castle behind when an employee ran out and shouted at us,...

Bartender unfriendly. Told we had to book a week in advance to get a table booking and was offered a table at 5 or 5:30 so we took the 5:30 option as we had recently arrived and hadn't found anywhere else open. The food was...

Not overly impressed. I would say average. Has a good range of drinks but food not great. Clearly not fresh food. The prawns were a let down considering the restaurant is right by the sea! Everything was just “ok” but really overpriced for what it...

Booked for a group of 6, clearly stating there were 2 children (they were with me when I booked). Arrived to be told ‘we don’t cater for children’ so no option of a half portion! Service was unfriendly, food was okay if overpriced. The only...

The food was average. The veggie burger was mainly potato so bland flavour. The chicken thighs weren’t great either. However, the burgers were better. Over priced for very average food.

We ate here this week and were extremely disappointed with the quality of the food, as well as the extortionate prices. I had chicken, cashew and courgette curry, which in no way resembled a curry in the slightest. It is described as mild, but even...

The waiting staff were lovely and very accommodating, but the place is let down by the food. My £16 ‘strips of gammon in a warming orange sauce with red cabbage in honey and sultanas’ sounded nice, and I had visions of beautiful, sweet, sticky ham...

Great food, drinks, staff and service. We very nearly didn't make it through the door, as my girlfriend spotted a Husky laying down in front of the bar (she is very nervous around dogs). I enticed her in with a bit of encouragement, and we...

We like another person stopped at the other pub on the street and was told no tables. We went on a bit further and pulled in with the hope that there would be some tables and was. We was the only people in and the...

Based on Judy D’s review of 22.6.21, we gave Y Branwen a go and were not disappointed. Very nice and helpful staff when we arrived without a booking served us drinks immediately and took our order for dinner within 10 minutes. Good welsh steak. Good...

Despite some of the reviews being poor we still chose to go to Y Branwen based on the overwhelming good reviews. The last 18 months have been a nightmare for hospitality and I know many hospitality businesses have had more than a few tough days...

There are two pubs on the main road to Harlech (not the High Street). One had lots of people sitting outside and people inside, the other empty. We went to the one with people first, but as we didn't have a booking, we were turned...

Smelly kitchen , hot fat smell kept wafting out every time they opened the door. Didn’t seem to be any chilli in the chilli pate, cheese for dessert was slice way to thin, cold and no flavour, £9. Friendly quick service, too many dogs, waitress...

Our party of 6 arrived in two groups, the last couple were ten minutes late. I was looking forward to the post lockdown holiday's family dinner, it is so long since we have eaten out together and we ate well here in November 2018. I...

Never in my life have I used trip advisor ,,, but felt I should sign up just to warn others of our awful experience at this “restaurant” I had read the bad reviews on this place but given them benefit of the doubt as I...

Went on saturday night for our anniversary, safe to say we were disappointed and so close to food poisoning. Garlic mushroom started was bland, chicken thighs were raw. Disappointed. Never again eating there. Yuk yuk yuk.

On entering the bar I couldn’t see a vacant seat so after standing there awhile I asked the bar maid “is there any other seating” without asking if we wanted to eat or drink she just replied “Outside”. We went to the Queens hotel just down the road and got a very nice polite welcome.

This was our first outing post lockdown, and we decided to have food and a few drinks here. When we arrived, it wasn’t at all busy, we were asked if we’d booked a table and we said no, and the waitress/bar tender was very hesitant in allowing us to order food just because we hadn’t booked (I thought the hospitality industry would be screaming out for people to spend at their establishments, Not “nearly” turning people away just because we hadn’t booked) She did in the end but I honestly wish she didn’t. We ordered 2 beef burgers with added bacon and cheese on the both which came to £30 (No drinks. Just food). When the food came out, the burger had the smallest bit of cheese on which cost extra, and when I picked the burger up it was just full of juice which was dripping out. The burger bun was that soggy from whatever it was. And the chips... there was only 10 on my plate!!! It was not fulfilling, it was tasteless, and the portion size for the price is unjustifiable. We ate it all, but not because we enjoyed it, it was because we were that hungry. When the waitress came to take our plates away, she didn’t even ask if everything was ok with our meals, hence the reason for this review. To be honest, we would of been better off going to the nearest kebab house as we would of got more for our money and still would of cost less. It was shocking! It’s a shame, but it’s safe to say we will never be having food here again.

We stayed in Harlech for four nights and visited the Branwen on 3 occasions. 5* for food, friendliness & drinks from a warm and welcoming team. We both had a burger, one lamb & one beef and both were perfect Can’t wait to return

We have visited Branwen twice.. once in March 2020 and once October 2020- a couple of weeks before our wedding!We are lucky that my parents have bought a caravan nearby and we get to visit the Branwen as our new “local”- even more so when the covid restrictions lift. We have always enjoyed the great food (my husband always looks forward to his steak) and the service has been brilliant.Also bonus for seeing the gorgeous dogs ❤️ I would sit there all day with them if I could! Extremely well behaved and friendly, a credit to the pub

We stayed in Harlech for a week and walked down for a drink most evenings. They serve a lovely pint of Purple Moose which went down very well.The food is really delicious. Three of us ate and all agreed every meal was tasty and really well cooked. The steak particularly is first class. Cooked perfectly and really tasty.We'll definitely be back next time we're in Harlech

We had a lovely time on our short break. The staff were very helpful and hospitable. Fell in love with the beautiful Huskies who added a great ambience to the hotel. The rooms were cosy and had the best sleeps ever in exceptionally comfy bed. We ate there one night and weren't that excited by the food but not everyone has same taste. Would def return, our doggie loved the fuss and her first holiday in Wales!

We only had a few drinks here after walking part of the Welsh coast path but the welcome was lovely and the staff very friendly. Good Covid measures were in place with a one way system and cleaning/sanitising.

I should have known better when every restaurant and pub in the area was fully booked apart from this one. We were the only diners on a late Sunday afternoon. Everything has to be paid for in advance at the bar just in case you have any ideas about not wanting to hand over good money for this rubbish. The fish pie consisted of two scraps of fish and odd cubes of potato floating in a pool of white liquid covered with a piece of flaky pastry. My wife's 'steak pie' was similar quality.This place clearly has problems and they should not pretend to be a restaurant until it has fixed them.

Nothing strange about this place.Great selection of beers,pub well spaced out and sat inside.Very friendly service and advised on best beer to suit my partners pallet.Checked out the menu with plan to go later in week.Great selection.Want a beer and some grub,its a no brainer..most of rest of Harlech struggling with Pandemic restrictions.Got to admire the guts the locals have to keep on trying to offer a service.

We were staying in the area and had booked a table here in advance. The campsite suggested we avoided eating there after seeing recent reviews. We found everything to be just fine, good friendly service and an enjoyable meal, served swiftly and a nice beer.

Please Read!!!Ordered the £24 fillet stake medium, a good Vet could get it back on its feet! It came up cold in the middle so I asked Very politely for them to cook it a bit more. It is then came out burnt at the top and still like cold mince meat in the middle. Please see attached image :) the steak pie is a pot of old steak stew with a circle of Tesco pastry on top! Avoid if possible. Bar staff are lovely but chef must be incompetent.

We booked a table for 6 o’clock yesterday evening ( Saturday) and as we’d had a drink outside on Friday, we were expecting it to be a little expensive.When we arrived we ordered our drinks from the bar and went to wait to be seated at the restaurant entrance. No-one greeted us so I went to go and sit at a table for four, even though we were only a couple. The waiter came through and said that no we had to sit at the only table for two in the restaurant, apparently the other tables were booked! Only one set of other diners came in while we were there. The waiter brought our drinks from the bar and said we had to pay for them straight away, no tabs permitted. He then brought menus and advised us that we had to go to the bar to order and pay for the meals there and then! We thought this was a bit strange as this is meant to be a good restaurant and that would never happen normally. We later realised why this was the case ? If you complain about the meals, well then you have already paid and it’s just tough! I ordered chicken and cashew curry , £17.50 and my husband had fish pie, £15 . My husband ate his and said it was ok, but he thought there’d be a bit more fish and less potato. My curry looked nice with the rice in an inverted cone shape looking artistic. It tasted fine but there was 1 1/2 cashews and 2 tiny pieces of courgette in the whole dish. Considering the description of the dish included the words cashews and courgettes,I expected a bit more to it. I called the waiter over and complained about the measlyness of it all and he went and spoke to the chef, who said he would take this on board ! End of matter !!I do have to add that the waiter himself was extremely professional and obviously very well trained but needless to say we will never return The two drinks and 2 main courses cost us £43.40 and we weren’t even in there an hour BTW, the ladies toilets are lovely

What a fantastic team of people. Lovely friendly check in, nice room, mega comfy king size bed, room number 3. No view but not here to look out of a window. Superb 10/10 breakfast, Josh the manager is 5 star professional and fantastic hospitality skills, Franko is a great chef and David the owner I believe, is a lovely smiley chap and the two beautiful huskie dogs just give that home from home relaxed atmosphere. They go the extra mile. Lady who served breakie also super efficient, attentive and friendly. Restaurant meal beautiful presentation,fab wine and great local ales and again Josh was awesome, multi tasking between restaurant, bar and reception. Check out tmrw morning and wish was here for longer Highly recommend x

Had a really lovely meal here, polite and helpful service, good selection of drinks and delicious food. I am gluten and dairy free and had plenty of options and enjoyed the tagine very much. The member of staff who served us was helpful and knowledgeable.I would personally have found it more comfortable if staff wore masks or visors while serving at tables as they have to be so close but recognise this is not a requirement, however for me personally I would have felt safer, so just as a bit og feedback.We sat outside comfortably for drinks with a good one way system through the pub and hand sanitiser available and then inside for food with plenty of room ro distance safely. Six people and six meals really enjoyed, which is always a great achievement! Thank you!

We booked a 6.00.pm Friday evening table and arrived promptly. There was no one to greet us and only one member of staff at the bar where people were ordering their drinks (approaching the bar is not permitted in ENGLAND) - we were then asked to order our drinks and pay for them - I queried this as I expected to pay for the whole meals at the end - the reason given was beyond my understanding but I decided not to pursue it. We were then told we were at table 2 and asked to go and wait for Josh at the entrance to the restaurant - again there was no greeting as we arrived there having carried our drinks through from the bar. By a process of elimination we worked out which our table was and went to sit there. Two young women - I guess students - also ignored us and after looking through the non-decscript menu I headed back to the bar to order. This is not permitted in England (where only table ordering and service is permitted) - nor in Beddgelert where we had a fabulous lunch time experience earlier in the day. As I set off to the bar I was curtly instructed to leave the restaurant - go outside and return through the bar door. The family at the table next to us had already sent some of their meals back to the kitchen as they were not properly cooked, the two students were at a loss and the couple sitting opposite us were looking very uncomfortable. I handed the two very scruffy and poorly prepared and inadequately populated menus to the curt man and we left never to return. Such a huge disappointment -we visited last year and had a wonderful evening but the new owners seem to be oblivious to the slightest need to be civil with paying guests. I don’t want to kick anyone when they are down and this uses without doubt the worst review I have ever had to write. This premises’ owners need to realise that even in a pandemic world that they must be more respectful to their customers and much better organised - perhaps take a leaf out of other landlord’s books and get their act together.

On the face of it Y - Branwen looks lovely, nice beer garden, clean inside, covid measures in action. We went in for a for a family tea but were massively disappointed. Food is not cheap, nor is there a large selection (or a kids menu). When we asked what the pie came with (thinking peas, corn, etc) we were told ‘chips’. A restaurant that has no veg! The pie was awful - the filling I wouldn’t give the dog, topped by a frozen filo top that had spent 30 seconds under the grill - meaning it was just raw sheets of pastry on top. Wife had runny chicken curry which was limp, lifeless and no better than a micro meal from the local Spar. Paid over £50 for the privilege (inc 1 drink each for wife and I) - will not be returning sadly.

The hotel and restaurant website suggests some serious cooking or at least something beyond a microwave menu but this flatters the reality. It may well be Ok for burger and chips but we booked anticipating a gastro-style pub with appropriate cooking- The fish pie was barely edible- a mush that bore little resemblance to any fish - and the pork tagine with spicy couscous and pea shoots had no couscous or bean shoots. When I questioned the lack of couscous on my plate I was told I had been given plain boiled rice instead. This was true but I wasn't told that the pea shoots and couscous were unavailable when I ordered. The tagine itself was disappointing. Grossly overpriced at £15 and £17.50 respectively. The inability to offer a tab for drinks, main course, pudding- we had to pay separately for each on ordering seemed very odd and did not encourage us to order another drink . I can accept that Covid 19 has disrupted the h restaurant planning and operations but this was a very disappointing meal. As a result we did not eat in the bar or restaurant again during our stay. I can recommend the draught beer and commend the horticulture in the car park

The welcome was always a bit variable here but the food was good. No longer. I should have known better than to order the 'pork tagine', given that 'pork' and 'tagine' only go together in supermarket recipe books. What came was disappointing, and the 'cous cous' mentioned on the menu had turned into white rice. The approach to Covid19 protection focused on 'pay when you order', but with little sign of efforts to clean the credit card device between users. The serving staff were trying but the management let them down.

We booked in advance (2 adults, 3 kids) during a short break in Harlech. The place looked nice so this was something we were all looking forward to. On entry my wife was basically ignored as the rest of us waited outside because of the Covid-19 guidance shown on the door. On entry to the bar area we were told our table was ready but we were then just waiting for drinks, there, all of us. Even though we were dining we were told there was no tab facility, no way we could eat outside (like others were) as that was full (fair enough) and told just 'no' when we enquired about a menu more suited to the kids. It was all a bit cold on arrival. On seeing the menu there seemed to be 2 burger options at £15, a gammon option, a chicken curry at £17.50, a fillet steak at £24 and a steak and ale pie at £15. The prices seemed steep for essentially pub grub and we were told to go and order and pay at the bar when we were ready. There were two big dogs laid en route to the bar, who on this hot day were obviously pretty warm. Whilst I don't mind dogs and my daughter loves them I didn't think sweaty dogs lounging around the dining room was a particularly good look, especially from a pub purporting to be something other that (at least from the menu). We all chose our options. The kids went for burgers, my wife for chicken curry, I went for the pie. When it came the experience didn't improve any. The pie appeared, anaemic looking puff pastry lid on some weird tasting beef stew in a bowl, alongside about 15 frozen chips. It looked dry and unappetising. I asked for gravy but was told 'the gravy is in the pie' after the waitress checked with the kitchen. My wife's curry looked like a watery chicken stew and the portion was minimal. It's never really been a curry. I left mine after realising I couldn't actually cut the lid of the pie and feeling generally hacked off with the entire experience. The waitress asked if everything was okay and I told her it wasn;t and the reasons why. I got a refund with an apology and the offer of something else) but I took the cash and went to the chippy next door! A really disappointing experience on our holiday, and the management (a guy I also found to be rather pompous with one way rules but was keen educate everyone on how useless facemasks are (go figure, I'm not a scientist) needs to address the fact he can't expect to charge such high prices for poor/microwaved pub grub. Looking at the other reviews, it would appear our experience wasn't all that uncommon. Would've marked 'terrible', however they refunded my meal and the waitress was a diamond in the rough.

Called in for lunch on the return from Portmeirion to Dolgellau via Harlech. Covid compliant, outside dining in the shadow of the Castle. Food was of an exceptionally high standard. Service excellent.

I had a few minutes to kill whilst waiting for a takeaway so called in for a quick drink.To my amazement I was told that I could only stay inside if I was having a meal and would have to go outside and stand in the rain.Appalling customer relations and would not wish to visit this place again!As a regular holiday visitor to this area I have never felt so badly treated.

Sadly we feel we needed to write a review after our meal last night to give feedback. We have been going in to this restaurant for many many years and were very disappointed with the quality of the food. Prices are high for what arrives on the plates. Starters were lacking butter for bread, chutney with the pate, mint raita with the lamb kofta and any dressing on the salad. The small main dishes lacked any presentation, steak and ale pie lacked gravy however the meat was nice. The fish pie was not worth eating and wasn’t, full of undercooked potato , fish tasted like tinned tuna and pastry topping couldn’t be cut with a knife. The kind waiter was very apologetic and discreetly handed £15 back however the chef stormed through the restaurant and then back in to the kitchen. We felt sorry for waiter and the young girl who were rushed off their feet as they were the only staff serving in the restaurant , pub , and reception for the hotel.Sadly the quality of the place has deteriorated and has become a basic pub with basic pub food at restaurant prices. We hope this is just a one off and the high quality service and food will resume.

The owner is very rude, we will not be going back! The Victoria inn near by is lovely with very friendly staff.

STAY AWAY, NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY !!!Absolutely disgusting behaviour from the owner! Not child friendly at all, the owner is rude and thinks it’s acceptable to speak to children in a rude and horrible manner. Avoid at all costs there are plenty of nicer pubs around. Honestly worst service we have ever experienced!!!

The food tasted nice, however, we paid restaurant price for very small portions. Better value up in Harlech or the cafe round the corner. Don’t waste your well earned money. However, Good for a pint with good choice of ales.

Really tasty full breakfast. Rang up 5 minutes before we turned up and we were accommodated with smiles. Coffee one of the best we’ve found in Harlech and the breakfast was excellent. They do breakfast by booking, give it a go.

Really good local produce is used to creat a wide choice of meals to satisfy most dietary needs. The chips are particularly good.

Visited for a family meal. The real ale was not really drinkable. And the price of the food didn't reflect the quality. Wasn't impressed.

Based on the good reviews from tripadvisor we thought we would give this place a go for our first meal in Wales. The service was the most horrendous I have experienced at a pub in years, after talking to a local the next day, apparently they had changed hands to new owners just a few weeks ago. The waitress gave a table of 6 people one menu on a piece of A4 paper. We waited for 20 minutes and she didn’t even bother to check on us during this time. We finally ordered 4 mains, and a kids fish finger meal and a side of onion rings. I asked for gravy and the waitress made a comment about how she might come out with a “knife stuck in her back” from the cook. I thought it was odd when my son’s fish and chips came with 4 onion rings on top. I asked the waitress where my order of onion rings was, she said it’s on the same plate as the kiddie meal. I was thinking I’m not paying £2.95 for 4 onion rings, it was just odd and ambiguous as to how things were served. In the end they charged £9 for a kids meal. We asked the bar man why it was so expensive since we were never given a children’s menu, they just told us what they were serving so we had no idea what they charged for a children’s meal. His comment was “children take up space and time just as much as an adult”. If that was the case, shouldn’t it be an adult’s portion instead of a child’s portion? It just seemed like the staff had an attitude problem, we didn’t expect it be fine dining but at the same time we didn’t expect to pay £85 to have such attitude and horrible service

The service was the most horrendous I have experienced at a pub in years. The waitress gave a table of 6 people one menu on a piece of A4 paper.

We visited on Friday evening and I have to say it was fantastic. The food was wonderful I had the Duo of Lamb and it was delicious my husband had lasagne and that was as good. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Will definitely return here.

The fisherman's pie we enjoyed this evening was succulent, jam generous packed with fish , (and not stooge) and was bursting with flavour and buttery soft mash AND gluten free (no fillers and cheap stuff) highly recommended, we are hooked! Friendly staff and exceptionally welcoming.Best place to eat in Harlech.

Excellent meal and friendly wating staff, lovely beer too. Dog friendly in the bar area. Would dine here again. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a decent meal and evening out in Harlech.

Lovely welcoming staff, fabulous food and dogs very welcome. Arrived late on Friday evening after a long drive, just as the kitchen was about to shut but the staff were more than happy to cater for us producing a lovely meal, a great gin and tonic and biscuits for the dog.