On the outskirts of Bluestone Park is the newest addition to their food and beverages family, the Black Pool Mill. Sitting on the River Cleddau, housed in an 18th-century iron furnace and forge, and now beautifully decorated and spacious inside, the Grade II listed Georgian building was built to use water power to grind wheat for flour. The current machinery inside the building was installed in 1901 and has been preserved as part of Pembrokeshire’s industrial heritage.
It’s a testament to the designers behind its latest incarnation at how well it has been preserved. You are literally dining in a repurposed piece of local history. From its 53 handmade wooden sash windows to the replacement roof and timers, it’s been painstakingly restored and renovated. There is a real feel of the industrial work that took place here, the machinery evident throughout the building. The sympathetic nods to its former life add to the experience.
There are well-spaced seating areas, from tables to cosy corners, plus two separate rooms for a more private dining experience; downstairs is dog-friendly, too. We dined on a Friday lunchtime amidst ladies who lunch, families, mothers with babies and a couple of bigger parties: locals and passing tourists are clearly patronising the Mill.
From the locally sourced menu, and on the advice of our lovely waiter, we went for the Bluestone ale catch of the day with chips, sauteed peas and tartare sauce (£19) and a Millers Lunch (Pant Mawr cheese, ham hock, onion chutney, bread, celery and fruit) for £16. Sandwiches, good vegetarian and vegan options and nibbles like Pembrokeshire farm chilli nuts and coriander hummus are also available.
Dining at Black Pool Mill exceeded my expectations: the attention to detail, the quality and price of the food, the friendly staff and the surroundings makes it worth a revisit. This huge restoration project over the last few years has resulted in a heritage restaurant and venue in a beautiful setting; it’s worth noting there are themed nights and special feast evenings, with updates and bookings found on the website.
Black Pool Mill Restaurant, Black Pool Mill, Narberth.
Info: 01834 862444 / blackpoolmill.com
words ANTONIA LEVAY