I took my elderly parents to Y Branwen for an evening meal on Saturday 9th October. We have been there on many occasions over recent years and have always been very impressed. Unfortunately since the recent change of management things have gone downhill. The evening started poorly while we were sitting in the bar area waiting to be shown to our table. We had to listen to the drunken foul mouth of one of the 'locals' who seemed oblivious to the mixed company he was sharing the bar with.
The menu as usual was varied and we were looking forward to the usual high standard. My meal and my mother's were fine but my partner left most of hers and my father could not eat his at all. When the waitress asked if everything was okay with the meal my father politely and apologetically explained that his meal was virtually inedible. He was told that they had not had any other complaints in a very offhand manner. She said she would pass his comments on to the 'chef'. The 'chef' came out of the kitchen and completely ignored us. When my father went to pay he apologised again and the waitress told him she was very upset by the way he had spoken to her! This was a ridiculous comment because my father is an old fashioned gentleman who was apologising for the fact that he could not eat his meal because it was dreadful!
The cost of my fathers food was deducted from the bill but it was done in a very reluctant and somewhat hostile manner.
We will never return to Y Branwen which is a shame because the food and the staff used to be excellent but not anymore.
- y Branwen Harlech
