I really enjoyed my experience at The Gate - I would say it's about 3.5 stars but leaning more towards 3 than 4. This establishment is both a pub and restaurant divided into 2 different sections with 2 completely different atmospheres. As a result, I feel as though The Gate is just a tad bit confused with its identity. The restaurant was very brightly lit with posh furnishings whereas you step back into the pub area and it looks like another "old man's local pub" so to speak. This is not necessarily a negative thing, but I feel like The Gate should pick an identity and stick with it.
Customer Service:
Probably the reason why I feel The Gate is more 3 stars than 4. Some of the longest waits I've endured at a restaurant yet. Don't come hungry, or by the time your food arrives you'll be on the ground starving. We first sat down at the pub and we were told that someone would escort us to the restaurant. 10 minutes later, someone shows up. When we were ready to order, we had to flag someone down. It was about another hour before our food arrived. I don't know how their kitchen runs or how many staff they have available, but I feel like the wait times is a little bit too much and they could work on developing a more efficient system.
Food:
The only thing that saves this place from disaster. The food was absolutely DELICIOUS and I was honestly surprised it came out of a strange pub/restaurant combination.
For a starter, I ordered Smoked Haddock & Spring Onion Risotto with poached Hen's Egg and Mustard Cress and it was absolutely lovely. I love fish, and there was a perfect amount of fishy flavour to the risotto. The hen's egg on top was a fantastic touch as well.
For my main, I had the Honey Glazed Belly Pork and Mustard Mash
topped with black pudding & caramelized apple served with a cider & pancetta Jus. The only downside to this dish is that I just wish there was more pork! Very tender and the fat was rendered perfectly!
---
The food at The Gate is 5 stars in itself and it is almost worth the wait. But with the slow service, the overall experience has to go down to 3 stars. However, I would definitely come here again. Best meal I've had in Wales so far! read more
