"We live in mid Wales and so were able to go to the Tower Restaurant for lunch during the English lockdown. We contacted the hotel beforehand because we were going to have my elderly and quite immobile mother in law with us, and they were helpful with guidance as to level entry to the building etc. On arrival we were asked to stand in front of a wall mounted thermometer and be temperature checked before proceeding to the dining room. Furniture had been rearranged to accommodate social distancing, staff all wore masks or shields and there were plenty of notices to remind guests about the importance of social distancing, washing hands etc. The Tavern Bistro was not open for lunches when we visited, but the lunch menu, sandwich menu and afternoon tea menu were all available within the Tower Restaurant. Stretching for quite a length along the front of the building, the restaurant has simply stunning views over the lake and we were lucky enough to be placed at a table which made the very best of the views. The menu is quite compact at the moment, but there is a good choice for all tastes. My mother in law has a small appetite and so was happy to choose a couple of dishes from the Tapas menu, sweet potato fries and tempura battered prawns, which she is still talking about weeks later. My other half and I both went for main dishes Stroganoff Linguine Pasta and Braised Venison with Mashed Potato and Red Cabbage, both of which were delicious, good hearty food with excellent ingredients and very filling, as good quality good so often is. Being so full, we didn't have a second course but, on ordering coffees, which we took sitting on sofas in front of a roaring log fire, we each had a home made shortbread biscuit on our saucer a nice touch. It is all too easy, during this most unusual of years, to think that we have we are missing out on travel and leisure opportunities, whilst overlooking that there is so much right here on our doorstep; excellent establishments serving good food with friendly and professional service, who need us to be supporting them. The Tower Restaurant and the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel are situated in an idyllic spot, a drive to get there, yes; but a Welsh hills and valleys drive, which will soothe your soul and have you relaxed and chilled by the time you arrive. The three of us ate with two main courses, two tapas dishes, three large premium ciders and three coffees and our bill came to around £60. The service was professional and friendly, unrushed and the environment was picturesque and super relaxing. We would highly recommend a visit."
Fruit Salad
