5 OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS MENUS
If the idea of cooking Christmas dinner sounds like your worst nightmare, Elin Evans has compiled a list of restaurants across south Wales (with varying price points) serving the most interesting menus over the festive season.
THE POD
Rodney Road, Newport. 01633 535440 / www.thepodnewport.com
The vibrant riverside setting and finger-food The Pod is known for might not make it the obvious choice for a Christmas dinner, but they’ll be serving up all the traditional favourites with a bit of a twist. Plus, with live music and a huge range of gin, cocktails or mocktails there’s something to help everyone get a little bit merry.
TRUFFLE
1A King Edward’s Rd, Swansea. 01792 547246 / www.truffleswansea.com
Truffle’s three-course Christmas menu also includes turkey with all the trimmings, as well as some other less traditional (but equally decadent) dishes using local ingredients to suit veggies, vegans and carnivores alike. When it comes to drinks, Truffle has a ‘bring your own’ policy that means you bring your favourite wines or beers along with you. The restaurant itself is a beautiful space which manages to feel cosy without being cramped.
THE IVY
43 The Hayes, Cardiff. 029 2233 8940 / www.theivycardiff.com
If anywhere knows how to do glitz and glamour properly, it’s The Ivy. The new branch will be opening during the festive season to give the people of Cardiff a feast for the stomach and the eyes. Their menu promises all the classics, and while options are limited (and not particularly vegan-friendly), at £58 per person it will be a case of quality over quantity.
COBBLES
Ty Maen Farm Buildings, Ogmore-By-Sea. 01656 646361 / www.cobbleskitchen.co.uk
The idyllic setting and cosy atmosphere of Cobbles is perhaps the ultimate combination for feeling like a character in a Richard Curtis movie. The Christmas menu is small but mighty, packed with local sourced ingredients and attention to detail which ensures that every dish feels a little bit special. While you’re there, the little gift shop is full of locally made products which would make the perfect Secret Santa.
THE OLD HOUSE 1147
Llangynwyd, Maesteg. 01656 336033 / www.theoldhouse1147.co.uk
This charming inn – a Grade II listed building in the village of Llangynwyd, just south of Maesteg – used to serve standard pub grub before it was newly renovated. Now, it offers a more refined selection and some superb specials. Plus, stunning countryside views from its main dining room make it feel special. For its Christmas party menu (£40pp), there’s a focus on local Welsh produce in the starters of Penclawdd cockles with crispy Carmarthen ham or Welsh goats cheese tart, as well as their Welsh cake cheesecake for dessert.
