The Cross Foxes wins Alastair Sawday’s guide award

1 August 2012

The Cross Foxes at Brithdir, near Dolgellau has been honoured with an
Alastair Sawday’s pub award for being an excellent inn with rooms, making it
an ideal destination for a UK short break in Wales.

The latest edition of Sawday’s much loved ‘Special Places Pubs and Inns of
England & Wales’ comprises more than 900 of Britain’s very best pubs with
just 12 selected to receive an award in one of four categories -
authenticity, commitment to the community, local, seasonal and organic
produce or pubs with rooms.

The four winners of the pubs with rooms accommodation award have
demonstrated a passion for serving excellent food, beers and wines as well
as offering a top notch bed for the night. Other winners in this category
include The Beckford Arms at Tisbury and The Wheatsheaf Inn at Northleach.

“The Cross Foxes at Brithdir is a classy new-wave inn in the shadow of Cader
Idris. Period features blend well with the eye-catching contemporary design
and décor throughout the modern bar and super comfortable bedrooms, while
the open kitchen delivers impeccable local fish and meat dishes. With over
900 pubs in the guide, winning is a terrific achievement for the
hard-working landlords, landladies, chefs and staff!” said Sawday.

The Cross Foxes’ entry in the guide states: “Nicol and Dewi have worked
wonders breathing new life into this stone built former farmhouse. A steel
and glass entrance leads through to a modern bar where flagstones, exposed
stonework and beams mingle with contemporary sofas, designer bar stools and
sleek lighting.

“In summer, sup Purple Moose’s Snowdonia Ale on the terrace and gaze up at
lofty Cadair Idris – a giant’s seat indeed. Food from the open kitchen comes
with impeccable local credentials and the char-grill compliments the meats
perfectly. What could be more local than Conwy mussels, leeks and cream
followed by confit leg of Welsh lamb, rosemary and honey gravy, potatoes and
seasonal vegetables?

“There are great Sunday roasts too, light bites and afternoon teas. Upstairs
the comfort factor scales new heights as natural stone, beams and antiques
blend with a crisp modernity; there are beds for dreaming in and mountain
views through windows.

“Gorgeous bathrooms, with Thierry Mugler lotions and thick robes, soothe
those who have stretched their muscles in the surrounding hills. A 15-minute
drive brings you to delightful Barmouth and the coast.”

Sawday’s new Special Places Pubs and Inns of England & Wales is out now
priced at £15.99. To buy a copy and for more information go
towww.sawdays.co.uk.