Compiled by Howard Wilson
Eating out often enhances a visit to the FR, and can very much be the making of a special occasion. At the end a hard day's work on the Railway, it may prove to be a simple and welcome answer to a self catering problem; and so this collection of eating solutions may assist those desperately seeking sustenance, or those who simply want a change of environment for the evening.
All are recommended by individuals who have tried them. All have proved to be to their liking. I have tried to provide information that will help categorise the style of dining and will show that a "take away" is really the only place where working overalls will be acceptable!
As most visitors to the area have transport available to them, the venues are within a "reasonable radius" of the line, and on a summer evening may involve a pleasant run out that should whet the appetite all the more.
"Spooners", Harbour Station - café and bar providing a wide variety of snacks and good value meals for FR travellers and visitors alike. Variety of good Marston's ales in railway museum style surroundings.
"The Ship"/Y Llong - Lombard Street. Visible behind park and children's swings. Features in the Good Pub Guide. Generous portions and special offers. Burton ales. 01766 512990
"Passage to India" - Bank Place. Turn off the High Street down the side of Woolworths, not far down on left hand corner. Best Indian cuisine in the area. 01766 512144
"Allports" - Madoc Street. From Woolworths, leave the High Street passing down Snowdon Street to where it crosses Madoc Street. Chip shop on opposite corner, often cooks to order. No worries about dirty overalls here as you don't sit down! 01766 512589
"Yr Wylan" - High Street Pleasant surroundings; three course meals, great value, especially the Welsh lamb. "Sell it cheap, pile it high". 01766 513188
"The Grapevine"/Y Winwydden Bistro - opposite the Royal Sportsman Hotel past the island at the top of the High Street. Interesting slightly up market menu at realistic prices. Freshly cooked to order. Mine host is excellent character connected with FR. Can be busy, so worth booking, but not essential. 01766 514230
"Y Hen Fecws" - between "The Ship" and the Passage on Lombard Street. Bistro with accommodation. Menu includes daily specials.
"Tafarn Pencei" - on Harbour at bottom of steps that lead up to Y Garth. Bar meals plus Sunday lunch.
"Castell Deudraeth" - recently restored Castle style hotel with excellent views out over the Dwyryd estuary. Signposted from the crossroads in Minffordd village towards Porthmerion. Lavishley appointed with prices to match. Excellent food for that special occasion. Booking recommended. 01766 772400
"Portmerion Hotel" - follow road as above, but down through Italianate village of Porthmerion to waters edge, where TV cult programme "The Prisoner" was filmed. Expensive artistic designer food in unusual surroundings with unparalleled views across the Dwyryd estuary. Booking required. 01766 770228
"Brynllydan Hotel" - small isolated private hotel with restaurant down long narrow winding lane - but worth the challenge! Turn right off A4085 on bend going down hill (travelling North) after having passed over (FR) Penrhyn level crossing. Welcoming friendly atmosphere. Inviting menu. Restaurant prices. Used to catering for parties. Best to book. 01766 770442
"The Grapes" - ancient coaching inn in village just off A487 Trawsfynydd to Porthmadog road. Good choice of beers, and specialises in bar food. Room to the left ideal for feeding with families plus an open air balcony at the back for the summer. Sunday roasts excellent. Menu wide and appetising if not a little more expensive than some, but food is provided to fill large plates. Often busy, especially at the weekend. 01766 590208
"The Chippy" - highly recommended fish and chippery on Blaenau High Street which provides the food for the FR Fish and Chip trains.
"The Golden Fleece Inn" - on the left of the town square, as you approach from Porthmadog. Cosy aged pub with snug and bar with open fire. Generous helpings of tasty of bar food with chunky chips and garnish. Upstairs Bistro at rear with more menu and prices. 01766 512421
"The Union Inn" - on the opposite side of the town square. Slightly more select bar menu with slightly higher prices but recommended. 01766 512748
Fish and Chip Shop - on corner of town square. Good value food.
"Maes y Neuadd Hotel" - quality country hotel and restaurant up winding wooded lane, signposted inland off A496 at Talsarnau, north of Harlech. Lovely quiet location. Superior French cuisine at superior prices. Known for supplying the food for the FR "Steam and Cuisine" special trains 01766 780200
"Brondanw Arms"/The Ring - small village pub on A4085 Penrhyn to Beddgelert road. Live music Friday and/or Saturday. Good food, but children are restricted to lower room at the back.
"George IV Hotel" - on main road through Criccieth. Good value traditional meat and two veg meals in residential restaurant. No frills. Car park opposite. 01766 522168
"Bryn Arms" - village signposted off A487 Trawsfynydd to Maentwrog towards the top of the hill. Recommended. 01766 590379
"The Old School House" - just off A487 Porthmadog to Caernarfon road run by couple supplying good food and welcoming atmosphere.
"Victoria Hotel" - a little out of the way, but service is good, the food is good and the portions even better. 01341 241213
"Bryncir Arms" - opposite the cattle market in village on A487 Porthmadog Caernarfon road. Father and son enterprise. Generous portions of tender Welsh lamb and huge mixed grills.
"Prince Llewellyn Hotel" - hotel/pub close to the river bridge. Good food and Robinson's beer. Pleasant atmosphere. 01766 890242
"Snowdonia Parc Hotel" - pub beside main road with Welsh Highland station behind the car park. Serves Marston's along with it's own brewed bitter. Variety of good food, good value. Nice trip out on a summer evening. 01286 65021