From a young age, I spent many summers in West Wales with my family, the Cleddau River was the backdrop of summer evenings on boats and the water. This is why when I was invited to Wolfscastle Hotel I said yes immediately, as I had a feeling the stay was going to be incredible.
Where is Wolfscastle Country Hotel?
When you leave the motorway and join the smaller roads en route to Pembrokeshire, you drive through pretty villages and valleys and past many farms, thee very farms that supply the hotel and its incredible restaurant.
The award-winning Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa is nestled in the stunning village of Wolfscastle, overlooking the valley and Treffgarne Rocks. This beautiful boutique hotel has been under the Stirling family ownership for over 45 years (Andrew Stirling has even written a biography/cookbook), giving it a family-friendly atmosphere and is home to Two Rosette dining areas, The Stirling Brasserie and the Allt-yr-Afon Restaurant, the perfect combination don’t you think?
Staying at Wolfscastle Country Hotel
We arrived mid-afternoon and were warmly greeted by the lady in reception, the building is a combination of the original vicarage and more modern additions, creating a contemporary take on the interiors.
Unfortunately, the weather was typically Welsh and not on our side, however, that was the perfect opportunity to visit the spa. This is small but perfectly formed, with an ultra-modern white interior that overlooks the open-air hot tub and the sauna pod, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable and due to the restricted numbers, it will never be crowded!
After our visit to the spa, we unpacked and relaxed in our room for a little while, the bedrooms are spacious and ours overlooked the valley as far as the Treffgarne Rocks, it was a rather wet and windswept day, so my idea of walking to said rocks along the valley to take in the view was shelved, however, the bar downstairs looked a lot more inviting.
Dining at Wolfscastle Country Hotel
Whilst Chris had a much-deserved pre-dinner drink, I went for a little wander around the hotel’s restaurants. We’d chosen the Brasserie however, it was a close call as we were both tempted by the tasting menu too.
The newly refurbished Allt yr Afon Restaurant offers a relaxed fine dining experience with refined two Rosette food in a beautifully candlelit setting, copper detailing and open fires, making this a very special setting for what I could imagine very special food. Allt yr Afon is led by Head chef Sebastian Smith with a focus on creating delicious dishes using the highest quality ingredients.
Back to our restaurant choice, the Brasserie, named after the family, offers multiple options with mainly local ingredients. “The Stirling Brasserie offers contemporary dishes for all tastes in a warm modern atmosphere and is perfect for every occasion. The popular brasserie menu and cream teas are served all day, with booking advised for afternoon teas. In the evening.”
I chose the vegetarian option, the gnocchi, and Chris chose steak. This was not your average brasserie meal; firstly the presentation of our meals. We both agreed the aesthetics alone were outstanding, but the food was on another level. My gnocchi was soft fluffy little parcels sat on an incredible sauce, dressed with edible flowers and finely sliced local mushrooms, with a light citrus oil balancing the earthiness of the ingredients (my description is doing the food no favours here).
As I love a plant-based diet, it’s SO refreshing to find beautifully considered vegetarian food, Chris on the other hand, his steak was very good too apparently! Looking around the restaurant, it was clear Wolfscastle is also a destination for incredible food as well as being a beautiful place to stay.
The staff were lovely too, they were friendly and polite; I don’t think it was the first time they’d heard someone ask for one dessert and two spoons! To put in perspective, the dessert arrived on a dinner plate; and it was certainly a perfect way to end the meal together, a creative take on the ‘Eton Mess’, which was beautifully presented with tastes, textures and colours that were the perfect match.
Going to bed, hearing the rain against the window feeling full and warm, it was the perfect foodie getaway.
Wolfscastle is ideally located between Haverfordwest and Fishguard, 10 minutes from the beautiful Blue Flag beach Newgale Sands and 20 minutes drive from the city of St David’s with its magnificent Cathedral. Wolfscastle is a little gem in the heart of Pembrokeshire.
Wolfscastle Country Hotel
Wolf’s Castle
Haverfordwest
SA62 5LZ
Wales
United Kingdom
