The Towpath Inn — Restaurant in Wales

Worth the wait most definitely!! After signing up to the Towpath emails and being delighted and amused daily by owner Lee’s hilarious ramblings, and sometimes enraged (by simple minded ‘pub grubbers’ and tales on 1 star reviews) you need to have the emails to appreciate that one - we finally made it along tonight after the always meaning to scenario.

I was in absolute foodie heaven. Plus GIN heaven but that is a whole other story .

If you are like me and don’t like one big huge plate of the same food and love the variation of flavours, textures and products this is the place for you. Think English version on Tapas.

We had whole ham hock. Best cauliflower cheese ever with wild garlic pesto. OMG. Died and gone to cauliflower cheese heaven. . Potato gratin. And so many other plates. And the mix of all was a taste party in my mouth. Washed down with my gin (did I mention the GIN!!! Lol.)

So full after the clearing all the plates (apart for a bit of ham hock left for my doggies) ☺️ Could have brought them. Four legged friends are also welcome. . Had no space for dessert……. But of course had to have dessert. Lol. Ginger pudding was amazing with mascarpone quinel ( not sure how you spell that chef but was definitely one on my plate)

So all in all a fab evening. Relaxed in style. Relaxed eating. Open fire. Amazing food. Fantastically chipper American server who made me smile every time he came to the table. We will be back Lee and the crew. So see you...

We first visited the Towpath Inn a while ago, it is a beautiful country pub right next to the canal in Gilwern, great for a stroll with the dogs and lovely tables outside to enjoy the view. We were recently invited to revisit and try out the new menu by the new Chef. Although we don't live locally anymore, we decided to take a trip and try it out. When we arrived, we were greeted with a friendly smile and showed to our table in the newly refurbished beer garden, it all looks very country/contempory, quite relaxed with covered booths and heat lamps to take the chill off. The waiter was really attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, he explained that the Chef had worked in Michelin starred restaurants in London and had created the menu using fresh ingredients which are prepared and cooked without the use of microwaves and fryers. We tried 3 dishes from the Brunch menu, the Pan Fried Goats Cheese with hazelnut, Grilled Brocolli and Smoked Brisket and Pig Cheek on Sour bread. It was a taste sensation! Every mouthful packed with flavour and cooked superbly. I am still dreaming of that Goats Cheese :). We also love that you can hire Ebikes at the pub and go for a leisurely ride along the canal. Definately our new 'go to' place! After spending so long in lockdown, it is a joy to find somewhere so delightful to visit and we will be back...

EDIT IN RESPONSE TO BEING CALLED INSANE BY THE OWNER AND THEIR QUERY OF MY 1-STAR REVIEW (CHANGE TO ORIGINAL IN CAPITALS): Don’t bother if you want a Detroit style pizza after 5pm. Having travelled to the area to visit family this weekend we were keen to try the Detroit style pizza The Towpath is known for. Sadly we were left incredibly disappointed as they had sold out of this style and a number of toppings by the time we got there. We tried two nights in a row (with tables reserved at 7.30 and 6.45 respectively) and were left disappointed both times. Staff were unapologetic and unhelpful. WE DID MAKE IT CLEAR TO STAFF WHEN WE REBOOKED FOR THE SECOND NIGHT THAT WE WOULD LIKE THE DETROIT STYLE AND ALSO EMAILED TO MAKE THEM AWARE, WE ALSO TRIED TO ORDER ONLINE AND THE BOOKING SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING (THERE IS NO PHONE NUMBER AND THEY DO NOT RESPOND TO FACEBOOK MESSAGES) SO UNSURE WHAT ELSE WE COULD HAVE DONE. BY THE TIME WE SAW THERE WAS NO PIZZA ON THE FIRST NIGHT THE EARLIEST WE COULD BOOK FOR THE NEXT NIGHT WAS 6.45. Given the extortionate price of this pub compared to others in the area and the sub-standard offerings I would not recommend. BEING ESSENTIALLY CALLED INSANE ONLINE IN RESPONSE TO AN HONEST REVIEW FURTHER BACKS UP MY OPINION THAT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS FAR FROM THE TOP OF THIS ESTABLISHMENT’S...