Lord Snowdon once lived here ... now it’s in the Michelin Guide
BROTHER-IN-LAW TO THE QUEEN MASTERMINDED INVESTITURE FROM THERE
A GWYNEDD restaurant located in the former home of Lord Snowdon has been added to the Michelin Guide.
The Gunroom at the Plas Dinas Country House in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon made the guide after inspectors were impressed with the food and its presentation.
The site dates back to the seventeenth century and was the family home of the Armstrong-Jones.’
In the 1960s Anthony Armstrong Jones was a fashionable society photographer and married Princess Margaret thus becoming the Queen’s brother-in-law.
As Lord Snowdon he used the property as a base to mastermind Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in 1969.
The Michelin Guide is published once a year in the early spring but as soon as it is published inspectors are back out on the road searching for more new restaurants worthy of a place in the guide.
And once a month, from now until the next guide’s publication next February, Michelin will reveal some of their favourite new additions. The Gunroom is one of five restaurants named in April and the only one in Wales.
Writing about the Gunroom the inspectors said: “It’s a cosy place, especially the oldest part of the building - The Gunroom - which houses the original stone fireplace that was once the heart of the home. Elegantly laid, linen-clad tables contribute to the country house vibe, and service - including from the hands-on owner - is smooth and friendly.
“Chef Daniel ap Geraint is wellknown in the area and his concise, monthly changing menu highlights Welsh produce using classical techniques and subtle hints of modernity. Dinner is served in two sittings at either 6pm or 8pm, and they also offer afternoon tea.”
Plas Dinas is Grade II listed and dates back to the mid-seventeenth century but with extensive Victorian additions.
The original house was built around the substantial stone arched fireplace which can still be seen in the Gunroom.
Princess Margaret regularly spent weekends at Plas Dinas during this period in their marriage and was highly regarded by locals. In recent years the mansion was visited by Prince William while he was serving as a search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley on Anglesey.
There are six restaurants in Wales which have been given ‘star ratings’ by the Michelin Guide. Ynyshir near Machynlleth has two stars while Sosban & The Old Butchers in Menai Bridge and SY23 in Aberystwyth have one.
The other three restaurants are the Beach House at Oxwich near Swansea; Home in Penarth and the Walnut Tree, Llanddewi Skirrid, Monmouthshire.