The Fernery at Grove of Narberth

Tucked away in a Pembrokeshire valley, this personally run boutique hotel looks a pretty picture with the Preselli Mountains looming in the distance. Inside, The Grove has that stamp of quality, with staff noted for their “professionalism and courtesy”, squishy sofas and artwork in the lounge and tempting views of the productive kitchen garden from the intimate wood-panelled dining room. Seasonal pickings, foraged wildings and Welsh ingredients are given an intricate, modish workout, and the result is a thoughtful assortment of highly intricate contemporary dishes fashioned with “such a beautiful touch and finish”: veal sweetbreads with caramelised cauliflower, confit lemon, gremolata and sherry foam; roast halibut with leek purée, asparagus, brown shrimps, sea herbs and toasted almonds; saddle of venison with parsnip purée, blackberries, pork belly and juniper jus. To conclude, how about chocolate pavé with caramel, banana and popcorn ice cream? Meanwhile, the prestigious 300-bin wine list boasts treasures galore from a diverse assortment of growers and producers worldwide. 

The Fernery Restaurant is a wonderful treasure, found in the beautiful Grove of Narbeth, this restaurant is inspired by the wild ferns that are found amongst the local Pembrokeshire heroes and woodland. Simple, the fern underlines the commitment that the restaurant holds to using the best local ingredients that are available. No part of dining at The Fernery has been overlooked by the team who have curated it. Hand picked and well thought out, each part of the dining experience at The Fernery is special. Available for dinner from Wednesday through to Saturday, the restaurant is open between the hours of 6.30 and 9pm.

Inside, the executive chef is Douglas Balish, a Scotsman who was brought to Wales in 2019 by his passion for local produce and the prospect of a rural lifestyle. The menu’s inspiration comes from Dougie’s love of the restaurant’s location in the rolling Narbeth hills. When dining, you can expect the very best of Pembrokeshire produce, paired together with fabulous vegetables and herbs that are picked from The Fernery’s very own kitchen gardens. The aim is clear at this restaurant, to keep an elegant and contemporary menu with a clear focus on balancing flavours. The eight course tasting menu includes dishes of ‘farmesan’, grove vegetables and a dish named ‘for the love of the sea’, along with Berwyn’s bass and pigeon from abroad. Other dishes are named The King’s Estate, the remarkable valley and walled garden, which may leave some imagination for the mind, but we’re sure are as delicious as we’ve heard.

If you’re visiting Pembrokeshire anytime soon, perhaps the beautiful coast or a nearby park, then make sure you pay a visit to The Fernery for a delightful dining experience to remember.