Review courtesy of the Daily Post North Wales
I FIRST heard about the Greenbank Hotel thanks to Llangollen’s Kill for a Seat monthly comedy club – acts appearing often stay there. So one Sunday we decided to give it a go.
The hotel stands on the busy A5 overlooking the town, which, as chance would have it, is celebrating a comedy festival this weekend.
The bar has a roaring fire to dry out walkers and a good selection of local brews. But cast your eye on the menu board and you’ll get the first hint that the Greenbank might not be your average pub.
We were shown to our table by Chris Ainsworth, who co-owns it with Ric Lovejoy, whose background is in restaurants and hotels in Australia.
The floors are mainly stripped wood with white walls with the odd modern art piece giving the place a warm, rustic look. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly with many of the other diners obviously return guests, many on first name terms with the owners, which was a good sign of things to come.
Unbeknown to us the restaurant had just reopened after a small kitchen fire. The owners had also relaunched the Sunday menu with a fixed option of £15.95 for a three course lunch. It represented good value and one which we went for, as we were all starving after a beautiful spring walk down the majestic River Dee.
There was a separate menu as well, full of Welsh and local produce, plus an extensive steak section – this appeared to be their speciality and was very popular.
Two of the party went for the soup of the day: potato and leek, homemade and served with crusty bread roll – both hearty and warming at the same time.
My wife and I wife went for chicken and mushroom crepes served with a small salad. It was a fantastic choice as the crepes were fresh and the combination worked a treat.
The service was pitched at just the right level: not intrusive but friendly, and not rushed despite the place being full.
For the main course two of the party went for beef (sourced from Llechwedd Meats on Anglesey) served with homemade Yorkshire puddings and vegetables – cabbage, swede, carrots and mange tout.
They both remarked on how appetising the homemade gravy was. The meat was tender and faultless and presented on huge plates, so it was lucky we were all hungry.
My wife and I went for duck, served with tangy red berry sauce which complimented the meat very well. The dish was not greasy or fatty, and the meat fell off the bone – all in all very enjoyable.
For pudding there were just three options. This may have been usual for the set menu, or down to the amount of people who were now dining in the many rooms around the bar.
We went for classic tiramisu, served with ice cream and again all homemade. It was tremendously presented with a chocolate sauce drizzled over the top – blissful.
The others went for homemade bara brith bread and butter pudding, again served with ice cream. They said it was light, not heavy as the dish can sometimes be, and declared it an absolute triumph.
I would certainly recommended this dining experience with no hesitation and that my friends is no laughing matter.
Simon And Judith
The steaks are superb! The fries excellent too!
Our dining companions chose other mains from the excellent menu and were were all equally as impressed with the quality of their meal
The starters and sweets at the risk of over using a word are superb too - we almost didn't have room for a sweet but forced ourselves and are so glad we did.
The service is efficient and unobtrusive and Rick and Chris are truly great hosts making us feel very welcome and at home in their restaurant.
If you are in Llangollen and want a great meal, warm,friendly, efficient service then book a table at Greenbank, based on our experience (their were 7 of us) you will not be disappointed.
Kerry
I love Greenbank!
Traditional food with a twist, gorgeous puddings, lovely atmosphere, great service always with a smile, gorgeous puddings, and stunning location. Did I mention the puddings?!
Pete Evans
The Green Bank in Llangollen is a very friendly, comfortable, Victorian (with a modern twist) restaurant. Great selection of quality dishes on the menu with some pleasant surprises, the garlic potatoes are to die for.
An exciting wine list with something for everyone, taste and cost.
An the service is excellent friendly with a sense of humour.
Oh and breakfast outside in the sunshine with a glass off bubbly is a must
Pete E
Gaele
What a fantastic restaurant, friendly staff and lovely surrounding. The food was great, i recommend leaving enough room for one of their amazing puddings all homemade.
Had a great time and i will be back
Mega Man
Mouthwatering dishes to choose from. The rack of lamb was succulent and the home made puddings are a must. Thoroughly recommend this restaurant with nice friendly staff looking after you.