Llys Meddyg
Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom
Reviewed by
Kate Parsons
It seems the sun always shines on Llys Meddyg. It rained for the entirety of our drive from Bristol to Wales, but then, as if on cue, the sun popped out as we drove into the charming town of Newport. We've since revisited twice, and the same thing happened each time. Set on the high street, this former coaching inn was lovingly brought into the 21st-century by owners Ed and Louise Sykes a few years ago. After having children, they decided to return to their Welsh roots, and snapped up Llys Meddyg to create a relaxed seaside haven with 8 lovely rooms and a restaurant. Natural materials abound – slate, wooden furniture, seagrass flooring – and handwoven woolly Welsh blankets provide colourful warmth.
Food is at the heart of the operation, and on our visit, we found it very enjoyable – locally caught seafood, organic veg and meat reared close by. There's a cosy cellar bar for a pre-dinner drink; a beautiful Kitchen Garden room for summertime eating, and a wood-fired oven for casual pizzas. Families are well catered for, and you can even bring the dog. Cosy in winter, bright and breezy in summer – and a warm welcome all year round.
Food is at the heart of the operation, and on our visit, we found it very enjoyable – locally caught seafood, organic veg and meat reared close by. There's a cosy cellar bar for a pre-dinner drink; a beautiful Kitchen Garden room for summertime eating, and a wood-fired oven for casual pizzas. Families are well catered for, and you can even bring the dog. Cosy in winter, bright and breezy in summer – and a warm welcome all year round.
Highs
- The beautiful beaches and coastal hikes of Pembrokeshire National Park are on your doorstep; and with free pick-up from the train station and a good bus network you could leave the car at home
- We loved the hearty breakfasts – smoked haddock with poached eggs, fresh fruit pancakes with local yoghurt and honey
- The simple, homespun bedrooms achieve that alchemy of being cosy yet light and airy
- Well-equipped for families travelling with small children, and babysitting can be arranged
- Newport is one of the nicest towns in Pembrokeshire and there are several other lovely cafes and pubs nearby
Lows
- The garden bedrooms (especially room 7) can be noisy on summer evenings or if there's a function happening
- Dinner service can be patchy; not ideal given the prices
- A cosy, shabby chic feel rather than an overly polished vibe
Best time to go
Pembrokeshire is a year-round destination. It is busiest in the summer months - July and August being the peak season, when families come to Wales for the summer holidays. We visited in early May and were surprised by how quiet it was - we felt extremely privileged to be enjoying such spectacular scenery almost by ourselves. Whatever time of year you come, be sure to bring wellies and wet weather gear just in case, as well as hiking boots.
Our top tips
Turn left out of the gates, walk a little way down the hill and you'll see a footpath off to the left. Take this path down to the estuary and it will take you down to Parrog and along the coast; beautiful.
Avoid room 7 if possible: it is the one most likely to suffer from noise as guests leave at closing time.
Avoid room 7 if possible: it is the one most likely to suffer from noise as guests leave at closing time.