Glasfryn, Mold, Flintshire

A trip to the Glasfryn is always a treat - and this was no exception. It's a sister pub to the Pant-yr-Ochain in Wrexham and, whilst not quite as pretty, its location and views are spectacular on a clear day.
I was 'helping' a friend celebrate a very special birthday and she'd specially requested this popular gastropub on the outskirts of Mold.
After a spell of warmish weather, the spring bulbs were out in profusion, which made the short walk from the carpark a great pleasure.
Even though it was a Wednesday, there was a fair gathering of people, mainly workers from Shire hall across the road; due to its layout and size, Glas Fryn is large enough to accommodate everyone in fairly intimate surroundings. Tables and chairs are 'rustic' and mismatched, but blend well together.
As always, the menu is extensive and we were both quiet while we decided on our choice of food.
I opted for a smoked haddock and spring onion pie, while the birthday girl chose salmon gravlax, which came with chunks of freshly baked brown bread. Service was swift and both dishes were beautifully presented and very tasty. No fault could be found with either; if anything, I'd say my tart was a little too generous!
With two coffees, the bill came to a respectable £18.50; not cheap, but a price I gladly paid as a birthday treat!
Although the weather was not warm enough to sit out, I look forward to returning on a summer's day and enjoying my meal 'al fresco' on the extensive, south-facing terrace. The view over the ancient town of Mold and across to Moel Fammau is stunning, but avoid looking at Shire Hall (Sheer hell as some would call it!) which is a 'monstrous carbuncle'. It's a real blot on the landscape!
I suppose what makes Glasfryn a winner all round is its varied menu and the consistent quality of its food.
I awarded it a very respectable 9/10, only deducting the point so I could sample Glasfryn fayre again on a warm, sunny day!

Pant-yr-Ochain, Wrexham

It seemed like a 'push the boat out' day!
The sun, for once, was shining, my pickle orders were fulfilled and it was my friend's turn to drive!
I navigated us successfully to the stunningly pretty Pant-yr-ochain, near the Flash at Gresford, just outside Wrexham.

Neither of us had been before, although we have visited their sister pub, Glasfryn, in Mold.
Even though it was a Thursday, there was a sprinkling of 'up-market' cars in the car park (and I was glad we'd gone in my friend's racy sports car!). However, the interior of Pant-yr-Ochain is so spacious, we found a table without any problem. It's all bare floors, odd tables and chairs and very eclectic; the walls are covered with old photos and prints. The views from the terrace are beautiful, overlooking a small lake. Arrive early to bag a good seat.
The menu was extensive and we both settled on a ploughmans, but, while Sue chose one large chunk of cheddar, I opted for a blue and a smoked. It certainly met expectations; a slice of cold bacon and cheddar pie (about which I have no negative comment, but, then again, neither do I have a positive one!) crusty, yet soft, bloomer, with salad leaves, tomatoes and celery and expertly done pickled onions. OK, the chutney was shop bought, but that's just me being picky. We both refused any dressings and, strangely, both regretted it towards the end of the meal, when the chutney had been eaten and we were left with dry leaves.
We were perusing the coffee menu, when the table behind us was served with its mains.
We smelt, rather than saw it. A waft of pungent, fishy aroma, reminiscent of school dinners, washed over us. It was worse than stewed cabbage. Trapped in a fairly small room, the smell had nowhere to go - but we did! So we paid our bill and exited, stage left, sharpish.
I'd give the Pany-yr-Ochain an 8/10 for its food and general ambience, but beware the next door table's meal! A dismal 1/10 for that experience!
Go in the summer - and eat outdoors!