A View to rill

Let’s Go Outside...

Those balmy summer evenings call for dinner ‘al fresco’, or in Welsh, ‘yn yr awyr iach’. Lowri Haf Cooke enjoys the early-evening breeze at prime outdoor supper spots all over Wales.

Gwesty Tŷ Newydd, Aberdaron

After a jaunt to Uwchmynydd, overlooking Ynys Enlli, make your way down through the heather and gorse to Gwesty Tŷ Newydd. Savour fresh Pen Llŷn crab and lobster, or Cwrw Llŷn battered cod and chips – and don’t forget the side-order of ‘pys slwtsh’. Take in the fresh sea air and the stunning view of Aberdaron’s mile-long beach. For a taste of Welsh culture with your ’sgod a sglod’ supper, time your visit to coincide with Gŵyl Pendraw’r Byd – Tŷ Newydd is at the centre of this vibrant music fest, usually held towards the end of summer.

Gwesty Tŷ Newydd, Aberdaron, Pwllheli LL52 0HU; tel: 01758 760207

Dylan’s, Cricieth

At peak-times during summer, there is a queue for over an hour to grab a premium seat outside Dylan’s restaurant in Cricieth. To cope with demand, cool Welsh blankets are provided to enjoy the beach view with a ‘Menai Mojito’ in hand! It’s definitely worth the wait, for the starter of ‘Tacos Angharad’, followed by a wood-fired pizza or classic Menai ‘moules marinière’. If you’re famished, there’s plenty of tables inside, in one of Clough Williams-Ellis’ Art-Deco architectural gems. The best advice? Arrive extra early, and wear your ‘siwt nofio’ underneath; pray for a wait, go for a refreshing dip, before an epic Eifionydd feast!

Dylan’s, Maes y Môr, Cricieth LL52 0HU; tel: 01766 522773

Bwyty Mawddach, Llanelltyd

Would Madam or Sir like a view like no other, in the fresh Meirionnydd air? Follow the Mawddach trail up to Llanelltyd, near Dolgellau, and prepare to be blown away! Chef Ifan Dunn, formerly of Cardiff’s Da Venditto and Laguna Restaurant, Park Plaza – returned home to Llanelltyd in 2010. His family farm now includes a contemporary restaurant with a wow-factor view of Cadair Idris. Time it right in July, and savour his brother Will’s Spring lamb, for a Sunday lunch to remember. And when the temperature hits high, go for a Negroni outside, followed by a Crab Linguine or Haddock Risotto.

Bwyty Mawddach, Llanelltyd, Dolgellau LL40 2TA; tel: 01341 421752

Pizzatipi, Aberteifi

As you stroll along the Teifi in Cardigan, past Lord Rhys’ 12th Century castle, take a moment to admire the view from the bridge . Savour poet Ceri Wyn Jones’ lovely ode to the quay, then make a beeline for Pizzatipi, and pray that the queue at Tafarn Smwglin is not too long! Between 12-9pm each day over summer you’ll find the party’s just begun; grab a pint of the Mantle ale, and find a table in the open air whilst awaiting a fresh wood fired pizza. Toppings vary from local Aberporth crab, to Perl Las cheese and Pembrokeshire new potato, or keep it simple and go for the Bianca –‘dim saws, jyst caws!’ If it rains, laugh it off and make a dash for the nearest tipi; it’s what Welsh summer dreams are made of.

Pizzatipi, 1 Cambrian Quay, Aberteifi SA43 1EZ; tel: 01239 612259

The Shed Bistro, Porth-gain

If seafood’s your passion, make your way to Porthgain, for a feast of fish and chips. Take a pew near the harbour, near owner Rob Jones’ fishing boat, to feast on the freshest flavours of Pembrokeshire. The crab salad with coriander is a must to begin, along with a glass of Muscadet. Follow that with a John Dory, or a monkfish tail – or chase your plaice and chips with local Bluestone ale. Don’t leave without tasting Caroline’s walnut tart, glazed with caramel and Penderyn sauce. And if you contribute a pound to the Fisherman’s Trust, she’ll share the easy-peasy recipe with you!

The Shed, 56, Heol Llanrhian, Porth-gain, Haverfordwest SA62 5BN; tel: 01348 831518

Pitch Bar & Eatery, Cardiff

For a cheeky outdoor supper in the capital city centre, look no further than Pitch Bar & Eatery. This Welsh independent ‘drinks and dining’ destination is a Cardiff sunny day sensation. Situated right at the heart of historical Mill Lane, the sun-trap terrace is terrific for people watching. Whether preparing for a concert, or a classic Saturday night out in Cardiff, start with some ‘prinks’ – perhaps a ‘Pitch’er’ of ‘Pitch Punch’, or how about a ‘Beer on Mill Lane’ whiskey cocktail? Do stay for the food – locally sourced from the central market – including the wildly popular ‘Hoff’ Burger (Welsh for ‘favourite’!), ‘Bass in a Bag’ and veggie-friendly Glamorgan Bites. Polish off your summer eve with a selection of fine Welsh cheeses, and seriously consider returning to Pitch for your Sunday lunch!

The River Café, Glasbury

Don’t leave it a year before you retun to Hay on Wye, for the glittering literary fest. Welsh foodies often return to visit The River Cafe, for a leisurely lunch or dinner 5 miles away in Glasbury. Book a table overlooking the 11th century bridge on the river Wye - the site of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn’s victory against the Bishop of Hereford’s English forces. Plump for the crab papardelle and a glass of Italian wine, and admire those gliding along in their canoes along the Wye. The casual dining menu never fails to delight, and was much admired by late restaurant critic AA Gill.