Freshly-cooked food and riverside views
SUE Burston does not much like the term “covers” when describing the number of seats available at her restaurant.
She thinks that it is rather impersonal and that is something she is keen to avoid at The Falcon Inn Retreat in Aberdare.
And it is clear that she has managed to achieve that at a venue which also has accommodation, puts on functions like weddings and parties and has a country bar.
And they are all to be found in a stunning setting just a short drive down a tree-lined lane by the River Aman.
Food is big there, as evidenced by an eye-catching summer menu which complements the main one. The emphasis is very much on homecooked dishes.
“We like to cook to order, so meals will take 15 to 20 minutes to cook rather than 10 minutes,” said Sue, who took over The Falcon Inn Retreat in 2015.
Fresh food cooked the way it should be is the calling card there, much to the delight of satisfied customers.
“We have seating for 26 in the dining room, 20 in the conservatory with a view of the river and much more in the bar,” she said.
It has been described as a hidden gem, and you will not find Sue arguing against that.
“It is a stunning venue,” she said. “If you didn’t know it and were suddenly placed here, you would think you were on a tropical island, with the river and the trees.”
It all fits the bill for her vision, which includes using the best local suppliers for placing high-quality ingredients on the table.
On the main menu you will find starters like lamb kofte and classic prawn cocktail, followed by a mains section which includes minted lamb shank, steak and ale pie, tagliatelle, roasted salmon, chicken curry, and a selection of steaks and pizzas. Burger fans will not be disappointed and there are also children’s meals and desserts to finish off.
Street food-inspired bar snacks feature on the summer menu, with tapas making a great sharing experience with the likes of halloumi, hummus, mussels, an Italian meat platter and gambas all making their mark.
Then there are Thai bites, like chicken satay and spicy fishcakes, while there are some eye-catching Thai mains, like green or red curry or pad Thai.
Margherita, pepperoni, calzone and vegetarian are pizza choices, while Mexican dishes include burrito and chimichanga.
Saturday afternoon tea is one of the highlights of week, while the bar has a more than decent array of bottled lagers, beers and real ales, including a selection from award-winning local microbrewery Grey Trees Brewery. And choices in the cocktail section will not disappoint either.
The Falcon Inn Retreat can tailor menus in its function room, which can also host corporate events. And those looking to stay can have the choice of seven rooms – some of them facing the river. With free parking and a chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy some live music, it is a place which has a lot going for it.