Llangoed Hall

What People are saying

Great expectations, but....

Deke Ron 14/11/2017 20:28

For some time my wife and I have been intending to try Llangoed Hall; and we had high expectations when we recently visited for dinner. So, it is somewhat disappointing to be writing such a mixed review.

On arrival, we were pleasantly greeted as we got out of the car; and yet when led to the front entrance the door was not held for us as you might expect. Similarly, I had to follow a member of staff the whole length of the lounge and dining room to ask if someone could take my wife’s coat - not great as I had already asked and had been standing holding it beforehand.

Our meal was very good - each course well cooked and well presented - but spoiled by truly haphazard service. Different members of staff repeating tasks at our table, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they had just been done (so obviously not communicating with each other); Items not being cleared from the table between courses, wine not poured, water glasses not refilled wine etc - and no apparent desire or ability to engage with us in even the most basic of conversation. Presented with a wonderful looking cheeseboard; I was stunned when the waitress could not tell me what the cheeses were - the best description was ‘this one is obviously best because it’s French’. Net exactly five star in any way.

When I asked for the bill I was taken to the office to receive it, then asked to sit down so it could be brought; and then asked to return to the office to pay it. Distinctly odd! During the transaction I mentioned to the Waiter that we were considering the hotel for a Christmas break with our daughter; and was informed that ‘Llangoed is not somewhere to bring children’. I appreciate that the Hall is very traditional; but surely this statement should be reconsidered, if only in the manner of how it is delivered - it felt insulting at the time and that feeling has not gone away.

In short, the food was good - and should be given the price - but we left feeling that Llangoed Hall has a very long way to go to reach the standard it claims to deliver. This was not a ‘fine dining experience’ - it was merely the delivery of very good food by very average staff. Not excellent food - very good food. As we drove home, both of us expressed the view that we would not be likely to return even though the food itself was very enjoyable.

I find this a great shame, and have deliberately waited a while to write this review so as to be as fair as possible. However, I cannot change my opinion; and so to sum up:

1. Very good (not excellent) food
2. Haphazard and occasionally odd service
3. Expensive (as anticipated); and for the end result not really worth it.

So, in my opinion, a long way to go before the ‘experience’ lives up to the ‘expectation’. Very disappointed...

Llangoed Hall does it for me.

EddyNewporton 13/11/2017 20:00

Always love visiting this establishment, I was born in the village almost 70 years ago and when I return I have fond memories of attending village fetes, helping in the gardens and even celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth11 there. Last week we took my sister there to celebrate her birthday. It was a superb lunch and being able to sit by the open fire to relax for tea and coffee afterwards was delightful. The weather cleared in the late afternoon to allow us to walk around the very impressive gardens and grounds. This time we were unable to stay there overnight but our experience has wetted the appetite for a stay soon.

The perfect wedding day from start to finish

hotelenjoyer01on 12/11/2017 20:41

My husband and I held our wedding at Llangoed Hall this summer, staying the night before, the night of the wedding and the night after. It couldn't have been more perfect. The planning process began far in advance, we were able to talk through the wedding plans with everyone involved in the big day from the wedding co-ordinator to the chef. At no point did Llangoed tell us something wasn't possible, they were totally open to our unique vision for the day and wanted to make sure everything could become a reality. Obviously the setting is perfect - a beautiful country house in a peaceful Welsh valley, but Llangoed provided so much more than incredible surroundings. They helped with all aspects of the set up and made sure that we could hold our ceremony outside on the beautiful lawn. They worked with us to create bespoke cocktails and the food on the day was beyond this world. We had spoken to the chef about a foraged-inspired menu and the dishes he created were not only delicious but they looked amazing, with incredible attention to detail. All of the staff went the extra mile, working hard (despite the fact it was the hottest day of the year!) to ensure everyone was happy. Thanks to the weather our guests were able to wander the grounds and soak up the sun on the terrace. We held the wedding breakfast in The Orangery and Garden Rooms, it was a bright and airy space and just the right size for dancing later on. We had the entire venue to ourselves and so, while the music went off at 1am, we continued partying until the early hours of the morning! The next day we arranged a short walk with everyone staying at the venue or nearby, down to the river, taking in the full beauty of the valley. From start to finish, so many of our guests have told us just how blown away they were by the wedding, as if they had been transported to another world for the weekend!

Romantic hideaway and heavenly food

emjay1968on 03/11/2017 00:59

My husband and I booked a night at Llangoed Hall as a romantic treat after having to be apart for several weeks. We
Specifically wanted somewhere that had beautiful accommodation, excellent food and was set in good location for walking. Llangoed Hall ticks all these boxes and more.
Our bedroom and bathroom were beautifully appointed, all our needs and more were catered for and we felt very relaxed in the luxurious surroundings.
The staff who welcomed us were warm and helpful, showing us around the Hall and explaining everything to us - including a couple of routes for short walks.

After a walk, rest and bath we went downstairs for pre-dinner drinks whilst leafing through the magnificent books and albums relating to the works of art on display. Again, impeccable service from staff and lovely canapés with our G&T’s.

Dinner was a most beautiful experience - visually and on the palate. We both found the dishes we ordered to be delicate, flavourful and innovative. The food itself is the centrepiece of each dish, scallops, duck, lamb, etc all cooked exquisitely. Of course the dishes were presented very prettily but we felt that the emphasis is on the flavours which is as it should be.

The only hiccough in the evening was the delay between the end of our desserts and being offered tea/coffee and then again a delay before it was served. On the one hand we appreciated not being rushed to finish our evening but on the other I would say that the delay was just a bit too long. Nevertheless the mint tea was beautifully served with petit fours, so there was yet more to savour in our own time. The wine list is interesting and fairly pricey. We plumped for a Hawke’s Bay Syrah tasted recently whilst in NZ and couldn’t have been happier with it as a companion to our duck and lamb.

When booking we noticed that there is a recommended dress code for the dining room so we were a little disappointed that some guests came to dinner in grubby trainers. This of course is entirely the responsibility of the guests, not the management!!

Breakfast was another delicious meal - perhaps a little too soon after such a large dinner though. The yoghurts, fruit and homemade granola were beautiful as were my scrambled eggs with lava bread cake. A perfect breakfast for the walk up Pen-Y-Fan later.

Our check out in the morning was very straightforward even though we realised that we had paid for the tasting menu at dinner but had had the cheaper a la carte menu. The person handling our check out couldn’t have been nicer about the mix up and we left feeling like as much attention is paid to offering highly personal customer service as it is to offering outstanding accommodation and food.

Fabulous Llangoed Hall

ginny904on 29/10/2017 12:52

Wonderful relaxed stay in delightful surroundings at Llangoed Hall. Delicious food, luxurious and comfortable room, excellent, friendly service. Looking forward to a return visit soon. Stunning countryside to explore. Own produce used in imaginative and beautifully presented dishes. Looking forward to a return visit soon