If you’re making your way to Swallow Falls, you’ll spot the Swallow Falls Inn before you’ve even had a chance to get your boots muddy. It’s got that classic ‘cosy pub’ look that reels you in from the car park – and, happily, the inside lives up to the promise. But what about the food? Did it wow us, or just fill a gap? Let’s get into it.
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The Swallow Falls Inn is a bit of a mixed bag. The setting? Spot on. The food? Well, it’s not going to win any awards, but it’ll do the job – especially if you’re after somewhere comfy, dog-friendly, and easy to flop into after a day of waterfall-chasing. Here’s the lowdown on what landed on our table.
Betws-y-Coed Pubs & Restaurants
The pub here is genuinely lovely – think more ‘Instagrammable country inn’ than sticky carpets and faded wallpaper. It’s stylish but not in a way that makes you worry about muddy boots: warm lighting, clean lines, and just enough polish to feel special. After a day of North Wales adventures (or accidental bog-wading), it’s exactly the kind of place you want to thaw out and refuel.
What We Ordered
We arrived with rumbling stomachs and zero self-control, so naturally ordered a bit of everything.
To start:
- Potato balls with spicy sauce.
- Pigs in blankets with teriyaki sauce.
Mains:
- Venison fettuccine – venison shoulder ragu, parmesan and pangrattato.
- Lamb hot pot pie with mint gravy, served with chips and vegetables.
The Food
Let’s be honest – this wasn’t a life-changing meal.
The starters? Let’s call them ‘fine’ and move on. The potato balls with spicy sauce were pleasant but about as memorable as last Tuesday’s weather. The pigs in blankets were the real disappointment – pale, a bit limp, and missing that glorious crispy edge you dream about. Teriyaki sauce? Not sure whose idea that was, but it didn’t win me over. In short: meh.
The mains picked things up. The venison fettuccine was the star of the show – rich, comforting, and exactly what you want after a day of Welsh weather.
The lamb hot pot pie was classic pub grub: hearty, filling, and just the thing to revive you after a long stomp through the woods. The mint gravy was a nice bonus, but overall it was more ‘hits the spot’ than ‘tell your friends about it.’
There’s a good mix of classic pub dishes alongside a few more modern options. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, so it’s easy enough to cater for different dietary preferences.
The Overall Vibe
This is where the Swallow Falls Inn really shines. The space is far more memorable than the menu. It’s the sort of pub you’ll want to linger in—stylish, comfy, and a definite step up from your average tourist pit stop in Betws-y-Coed.
Service was smooth, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it felt like a place designed with care.
Is Swallow Falls Inn Dog-Friendly?
Yes – and this is a big plus. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, which makes it a great pit stop if you’re exploring the nearby trails and waterfalls with your four-legged sidekick. There’s plenty of space, and it feels genuinely accommodating rather than reluctantly tolerant.
What Was The Damage
The meal sits in the mid-range pub bracket – not cheap, but not outrageously expensive either. For what we had, it felt fair rather than exceptional value; you’re partly paying for the setting and the stylish surroundings as much as the food itself.
We paid £53.80 for the food, plus drinks – pints, wine and gin.
Swallow Falls Inn Address
📍 Holyhead Road, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0DW
///capers.screaming.tilts
Swallow Falls Inn Opening Times
Food is served daily between 7:30am and 9:00pm, and the bar is open until 11:00pm. This means you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the restaurant, and stay for drinks later into the evening in the bar.
Make A Booking
This is a popular spot, so it’s wise to book a table in advance, especially on weekends or during peak tourist season. Walking in without a reservation could be a gamble.
Accessibility
The main pub area is fairly accessible, with step-free access to most parts and a friendly atmosphere for families with children. Some rooms and outdoor areas might be more challenging for people with limited mobility, so it’s worth checking in advance if you have specific needs.
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Betws-y-Coed Places To Eat
For a village that’s barely bigger than a roundabout, Betws-y-Coed seriously punches above its weight in the food department. Whether you’re after comfort food, wood-fired pizza, or something a bit fancier, you’ll find plenty within strolling distance.
If you’re after a proper pub, Pont-y-Pair Inn is a winner. Y Stablau dishes up portions big enough to fuel a mountain hike, and the tables are perfect for groups (or just spreading out your snacks). Fancy something different? Olif does tapas with a Welsh twist – ideal for sharing and pretending you’re sophisticated. Pizza fans should make a beeline for Hangin’ Pizzeria, where the vibe is as laid-back as the dough.
Get 50% Off Food
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Things To Do In Betws-y-Coed
For a place this tiny, Betws-y-Coed packs in a ridiculous amount of things to do. You can wander through ancient woodland to Swallow Falls or Conwy Falls, stroll the riverbanks, or lose an hour in the village’s indie shops and cafés. Feeling energetic? There are walking and cycling routes galore, plus adventure spots like Zip World Fforest if you fancy flying through the trees. It’s also the perfect launchpad for bigger days out – mountain hikes, castle visits, or just soaking up the scenery in one of Wales’s prettiest corners.
Experiences in Snowdonia
Booking a tour in North Wales with Viator is a stress-free way to see the best bits without having to plan every last detail yourself. The tours are put together by locals and people who know their stuff, so you’ll get more than just the usual postcard stops.
Bed and Breakfast in North Wales
Whether you’re after a cosy B&B, a shiny hotel, a glamping pod, or just a patch of grass for your tent, Betws-y-Coed has you covered. If you know your dates, book early – prices only go one way, and it’s not down. There’s something for every budget, and you might even snag a special offer if you’re lucky.
Swallow Falls Hotel
This stylish, freshly spruced-up hotel is a brilliant base for North Wales adventures. It’s part of the Inn Collection Group, so you get that relaxed pub vibe and a genuinely dog-friendly welcome. Our room was snug but spotless, with everything you need for a short stay. Breakfast is a treat; think full English or eggs benedict to set you up for the day.
The inn is about a 40-minute walk from the village, but there’s a bus stop right outside if your legs have had enough. All in all, it’s a comfy, convenient spot – especially if you’ve got a dog and a list of local walks to tick off: Swallow Falls Inn, Betws-y-Coed Review.
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