I was looking for somewhere local for my special girl’s birthday last Sunday. A friend suggested “Illtud’s 216” in Llantwit Major. Of course I knew it, but had never been. For me it was famous as where Pugsley went after leaving the well known Plough and Harrow in nearby Marcross. I quickly discovered that Pugsley had sold up and the place was now owned and run by Georg and Einar Fuchs. Georg had previously been executive chef in the St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
I booked a table of 12 in advance for Sunday lunch. A couple of days before I had to drop the numbers down to 10 and then 9, but they were nothing but accommodating every time I spoke to them.
For me it’s not pub, or gastro pub but a really unique restaurant. It’s split into 2 main areas – a small seated part at the front with a small bar (which you can see in the photo) and a larger barn type room at the rear. Meals are served in both parts.
Our meal was great. The food was excellent – they make a point of using local produce. And the taste was exquisite. Georg obviously goes for unusual flavours without being really wacky or bizarre. We had a complimentary “Summer Fruits Cappuccino” to start – an excellent drinkable yoghurt with summer fruits and a foam topping. My French Onion soup with raclette cheese croutons was really good. My main course was Sea Bass in a gorgeous buttery herb sauce. I had it with the best roast potatoes I’ve had in a long time.
An excellent meal.
The only negatives were the “bouquet of vegetables” – my companions didn’t really like what we thought was vanilla cauliflower!
The only other negative was the live music – last Sunday was a music festival day in Llantwit and Illtud’s had two live guitarist singers as part of the day. Both were very good, but I go to restaurants to eat and socialise and chat. Unfortunately, the two guys were a bit too loud, and over-powering for my taste. I’d be happy to hear them again but somewhere else would be nice! That said the atmosphere was great but not exactly what I had planned!
Sunday lunch was around £14 for two courses and around £18 for three courses. The desserts looked great but we were too full to try them out. Our total bill including drinks came to under £20 per head.
Thoroughly recommended and great value for money.
There is ample parking just across the road and after your meal I recommend a nice quiet walk around the old town of Llantwit Major. The church is well worth a visit.
I never did find out what the “216” is all about………