The Cantreff Inn on Brecon Road has just launched its new-look menu, so I went along to have a taste…
You’re likely to have passed the Cantreff Inn, or at least know of it. Maybe you’ve been in for morning coffee, or enjoyed a pint of beer at the bar. But have you ever eaten there? Since his arrival last month, head chef, Gary, has been keen to make his mark at the Cantreff by revamping the menu to ensure that every customer leaves with a full tummy and their taste buds tantalised.
What I ate:
Starter: Chef’s Soup of the Day (vegetable) – £4.25
Main: Y Cantreff Lamb Shank – £13.95
Dessert: Deep-filled Bramley Apple Pie – £4.75
I visited the Cantreff on a freezing January night, and was welcomed by owner, Liz, and shown to a lovely candlelit table by the window (take note for Valentine’s!) I opted for the soup of the day, which was vegetable, while my dining partner went for the prawn cocktail with homemade Marie Rose sauce (£4.75). The presentation of both dishes – in fact all the dishes we ate that evening – was very good. Gary clearly takes pride in his food and this is shown in his style of presentation and plating. The soup was tasty, hearty and well seasoned – perfect for a wintry night, while the prawn cocktail was both appetising and generous.
For main course, both myself and my companion chose the Cantreff’s signature dish of lamb shank which was served on minted mash with a very good quality gravy. The dish also came with a very good selection of vegetables including baby sweetcorn, sugarsnap peas, broccoli, cauliflower and turned carrots. The quality of the meat was excellent, fell off the bone and melted in the mouth. The extra gravy served in a gravy boat alongside was a nice touch.
Dessert came in the form of deep-filled Bramley apple pie, and I was really pleased to see that it had been homemade and not bought in. It’s important to mention here that the Cantreff’s philosophy is all about cooking from scratch. Gary makes his own sauces, his own pies and tarts and doesn’t believe in pre-prepared food buying. This sort of attention to detail shows, and the apple pie was delicious, comforting and all the better for being homemade.
Without drinks our meal came to £46.40 in total, which is good value for money considering the tasty food that we enjoyed and the extremely generous portions offered. Do go along and sample the new and varied menu at the Cantreff Inn, where you can be certain of a warm welcome and satisfying meal.
*Please note that restaurant reviews are completed independently and establishments are not charged for editorial reviews.
