4 Places to Eat this Valentine’s

There is something undisputedly romantic about travelling by train. One of the greatest love stories of all time – Brief Encounter – focuses on a chance meeting at a railway station. St Pancras station in London even has a nine metre tall bronze statue of an embracing couple to remind us all of the romance of travel.

With enchanting waterfalls and fairytale castles, beautiful beaches and majestic mountains, there isn’t a better place than North Wales to spend a Valentine’s Day with your loved one. The Conwy Valley Railway, stretching from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog, makes it easy to hop from place to place, making the most of this special day.

Of course, no Valentine’s Day is complete without a romantic meal for two and North Wales has its pick of restaurants, from good old fashioned pubs to bistros and upmarket restaurants. We’ve selected four of the best eateries along the Conwy Valley Railway line, so if you’re looking for the perfect spot to wine and dine your loved one, read on!

The King’s Head, Llandudno

Situated at the start of the Conwy Valley Line, in Llandudno, the King’s Head is a traditional pub providing a cosy and friendly atmosphere, exceptional meals and great drinks. It’s the oldest pub in the town, so imagine unspoilt traditional decor and a roaring open fire, perfect for snuggling up on a chilly February day!

It’s won several awards over the years – from local CAMRA awards to the Pub in Bloom, so you know you’re heading somewhere with an excellent reputation. Finish off your evening with a romantic stroll along the promenade before heading back to the station and home.

The Tal-y-Cafn Pub, Tal-y-Cafn

The Tal-y-Cafn is an olde-worlde coaching inn turned contemporary gastropub. This trendy eatery is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the Conwy Valley and is just a few metres from the station.

Close to adventure attractions, including Zip Fforest, Go Below and Surf Snowdonia, and quaint Welsh towns, such as Llanrwst and Betws-y-Coed, the Tal-y-Cafn is the perfect place to end a busy Valentine’s Day.

It prides itself on sourcing produce from within 30 miles of the restaurant, so you know you are supporting local farmers and businesses. There’s a bar or a-la-carte menu to choose from, depending on what you and your loved one fancy!

Present your train ticket for a 10% discount off your food bill – who doesn’t love a discount on Valentine’s Day?!

Olif, Betws-y-Coed

If you’re craving something a bit different this Valentine’s Day, head to Olif for ‘Welsh tapas’ – yes, you read right, tapas!

In the evenings, the restaurant, situated in the romantic alpine town of Betws-y-Coed serves a fusion of Welsh and Spanish tapas or ‘small plates’ where traditional Spanish dishes are created with mostly Welsh produce, combining the best of the two worlds.

The rustic, stripped-back decor and gentle folk music provide the perfect backdrop for a bit of romance, and the village is lovely for a moonlit stroll afterwards.

Cell B, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Cell B is a more… quirky option but definitely one for the movie lovers, promising a Valentine’s Day meal you won’t forget!

Find it at the final stop on the Conwy Valley line, in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Cell B is set in the town’s former jailhouse. Don’t worry, the inmates are long gone, to be replaced by a cinema, hostel and cafe bar.

Catch a movie at the first cinema in Blaenau Ffestiniog in forty years before heading to the restaurant for a bite to eat and a drink from the extensive menu. Paying homage to its origins, the restaurant is set out like an old court room, making the whole experience a lot more fun!

Finally, wherever you eat this Valentine’s ‘mwynhewch eich bwyd, cariad!’ (enjoy your meal, sweetheart!)

Don’t lose Valentines Day brownie points by getting stranded! Remember to check train times before you book a table at any of the restaurants as trains are subject to change.

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