How I ended up enjoying a quick feed at a former stable block in a gazebo

I like to try to help the underdog when I can. So rather than choose one of the bigger restaurants in Betws-y-Coed, such as at The Royal Oak Hotel, I walked over to the Caffi Bach Tea Rooms in the National Park Centre.

The centre is a former stables for The Royal Oak, to which Dulwich College Preparatory School students were evacuated from besieged London in World War Two. Today one of the units is used as a tea room.

It has a cabinet of temptingly huge scones and the like, but the tables and chairs are currently outside in a gazebo. I asked about this curious arrangement and it seems to be a (hopefully) temporary measure pending a decision about planning permission.

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If all goes well then the operator will be able to move indoors. So if anyone needed a helping hand this wintry, November day it was the hard working lady at Caffi Bach.

I ordered a light lunch: a Gourmet Sourdough Toastie with fried mushrooms, spinach and sun-dried tomato, and a panad. Back outside, I chose a table under canvas and waited, sipping my cuppa to keep warm. It came with a milk churn-shaped jug of milk.

A woolly-hatted couple were already having a hot drink and an inquisitive robin was darting about, looking for crumbs. The toastie came and it was hot and delicious.

The bread was fresh and crusty and the mushrooms, spinach and tomato had flavour. A pot of tangy chutney helped too.

On a cold day like today, with a mound or two of snow still on the ground, it was good to have something tasty but which could be eaten quickly.

After polishing it all off, I checked out that cabinet indoors. Next to the scones were some frangipane mince pies and clotted cream which looked inviting.

Sure enough, it was moist and rich. Frangipane may have been an unusual choice for a mince pie but it was pleasantly crumbly and just the job with that thick cream.

It had been a convenient and short stop off for a quick bite to eat. The food was lovely but I hope they get planning permission and the seats are indoors next time I'm in Betws-y-Coed.

The facts

Location: Caffi Bach Tea Rooms, National Park Centre, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy

Food: A lite, filling and tasty lunch

Atmosphere: Breezy and very informal!

Service: Friendly and helpful

Bill: Sourdough toastie (£7.00), mince pie and clotted cream (3.25) and a cup of tea (£2.50)

Verdict: Lovely food and service despite the temporary conditions under canvas