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Y Polyn, Nantgaredig, Nr Carmarthen, SA32 7LH

Submitted by m on Wed, 15/08/2007 - 16:12.
Y Polyn, Nantgaredig, Nr Carmarthen, SA32 7LH

Nantgaredig, Nr Carmarthen, SA32 7LH

01267 290000

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a country pub restaurant and want to see how it should be done then take a trip down to Carmarthenshire – Y Polyn sets the standard. From my warmly greeted arrival, in the pretty bar of this delightful black and white 300 year old inn, to my reluctant departure nothing, and I do mean nothing, disappointed. The décor is modern, but not so minimalist that you feel chilled to the bone. Deep pink and cream walls, decorated with the work of local artists, provide the warmth and the natural floor covering, unlike the current fashion for naked floors, allows you to hear yourself think. Service is informal, friendly and efficient but it’s the food that ensures that the 50 or so seats are full most evenings and even mid-week lunch (when I visited) was well attended.

My crab starter was so fresh you could still taste the sea, served on a bed of mixed, equally fresh leaves with the sauce in a separate glass so you decide how much or how little! A generous portion of lovely breads, cooked on the premises daily, sat on the table in a basket – but not for long! Black bream, perfectly cooked with wonderfully juicy flesh and crispy skin followed. This was served with a delicious bowl of fresh, locally grown, vegetables. With such a high standard of cooking in evidence choosing a dessert was tricky. Would it be their famous homemade honey and almond ice cream or one of my all time favourites – pannacotta, served with perfumed apricots? I finally chose the pannacotta but my indecision had been spotted and, to my delight, a sample of the justly famous ice cream turned up too! I was in heaven. With starters at around £4, mains around £14 and puds in the region of a fiver and a selection of reasonably priced wines, the bill is a pleasant surprise too. This high standard of cooking, at sensible prices, is just what Wales needs more of. Long live Y Polyn and its professional and very accomplished team! Bopeep

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