Tafarn Y Garth — Restaurant in Wales

As frequent patrons of the Tap and Spile since 2002 we were saddened to hear it change hands, but wanted to give it a fair chance. We went tonight for food and sadly were very disappointed.

When we arrived it seemed like the place wasn’t actually open.. walls and fixtures look unfinished and bare and there were a group of workmen by the door. It was open however so we had a seat by the window

There was a loose wire by the table, a solitary plant pot but nothing else in the way of decoration. No music, no tv, no atmosphere in general. A far cry from how it used to be.

As a vegetarian the Tap & Spile was always an excellent choice with a large variety of dishes and most dishes available in meat or vegetarian options. Today I had a choice of 2 mains - chilli or a burger. I believe I could have had a salad without the bacon but on the list itself - just 2. Very disappointing. There wasn’t even a vegetarian option for sausage and mash which is an easy substitute.

We ordered two burgers and drinks and sat and waited in the quiet. We got to listen to all of the lines being cleaned, we got to see what I think was one of the managers walking around showing a good few inches of his underwear, we got to see the chef wander back and forth through the bar many times (showing even more behind). All in all it gave a massively unprofessional appearance and didn’t make us feel relaxed and in a comfortable bar setting.

The food came in a reasonable amount of time, although perhaps longer than expected considering how quiet it was (or perhaps it just felt longer). The mushroom and goats cheese burger was nice enough. The chips were okay. We ate up and we left.

The whole place seems very much unfinished, like there’s a lot of work to do. The paper menus on the table seem temporary. The complete lack of decor seems like it’s still in progress. No music and no television felt like something wasn’t ready yet. However it seems it’s been open a good few weeks now (since late November perhaps?) and I don’t see how it can still seem so unready. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. The only saving grace was the barman who has been there for a number of years who is always cheerful and I felt he really was trying to make things as could as they could be.

I won’t be returning again now. As a vegetarian the lack of variety means it is no longer a viable place for me to eat, unless I want the same meal every time, and the lack of any sense of atmosphere doesn’t inspire the need to do that. Perhaps in a few months if I hear things have improved I’ll try again, but otherwise I’ll be sticking to places on the...

We stayed here just recently, when we arrived in the pub to check in I began to regret my decision to book it. The pub wasn’t particularly clean and it all seemed rather chaotic even though we weren’t early to check in, so I wouldn’t have expected any issues. The stairs up to the rooms were filthy, although the carpet looked relatively new. However our room was spotless, the bedding was lovely and the bathroom very modern and clean. The bed was very comfortable and we slept well. The view from our room was stunning. I was confused that they weren’t doing cooked breakfast due to Covid but they were doing meals every night, eh? That makes absolutely no sense. Also due to Covid they were not cleaning the rooms, not even emptying any rubbish! |We came down one evening to eat in the pub however the connecting door was locked, it was absolutely chucking it down, so once again we had to go outside in the rain to enter the pub. Three times during our meal my husband asked if the door could be unlocked so we wouldn’t have to get wet. The staff didn’t have a key, even though this was clearly a fire door! When the boss returned he still didn’t have the key, we were really fed up at this stage and when my husband asked if he could unlock the door so we wouldn’t have to get wet again, he said he would see what he could do...it didn’t get unlocked. |I would recommend the rooms, not so...

Visited the pub on a Bank holiday Monday, and was happy to see they were still serving food at 6pm. Just having arrived on holiday a few hours earlier, I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of opening times or service. Was mightily impressed by the array of beers on offer though and past conquests were plastered all over the walls like badges of honour. Inside is a bit rough and ready, spit and sawdust style however, with each table inexplicably having a little plastic bowl on it. Which was weird. It came in handy to put all the empty sachets of sauce in, though. But I hate to see sachets in pubs, it's really cheap and offensive. The food prices seemed astoundingly cheap and I had a mixed grill for £7.60. Amazing value. It wasn't half bad either with gammon, minute steak, bacon, black pudding, chips, tommies and mushrooms. The only complaint being it was all piled on a sizzling plate with the chips underneath and no room to manoeuvre. My wife's steak however, at another wallet busting £6, was tough and chewy so you really get what you pay for. All in all, cheap and cheerful. Probably wouldn't go back this holiday but...