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!

Caffi Florence, Loggerheads

We couldn't resist visiting the award-winning Caffi Florence, in Loggerheads Country Park, just outside Mold.
There's a large car park - and you have to pay, but it is a walker's paradise. Even on a cold February Thursday, it was busy.
Ok, the exterior of Caffi Florence is a bit bland, but, once inside, it is all cool and contemporary. There is an extensive menu and they pride themselves on sourcing their produce locally - and they tell you, on a blackboard, where their produce comes from.
The knowlegeable staff are smartly attired with True Taste award aprons, bearing the coveted logo.
Their own chutneys and jams are for sale on the premises at very reasonable prices.
But back to the food...
We both chose the soup and half round of sandwich option - which, from memory, was £6 or thereabouts.
The soup of the day was a big bowl of home made cabbage and bacon soup. It was a bit of a leap of faith to choose this, but, let me tell you, it was absolutely top notch. Thick without being cloying and rich without being sickly, it was heaven in a bowl. I don't think you could get more seasonal - or more local. A twist of black pepper made it a 10/10 for both of us.
Our sandwiches were plump with ham (my friend's) and beef (mine). Although they were just half rounds, they were large enough to accompany the soup without being too filling. Plenty of mayo and horseradish completed the meal, along with a generous pot of tea for two!
I would imagine that Caffi Florence would be absolutely buzzing in the spring and summer. It's a real winner after a stroll along the Leet or an afternoon tobogganing nearby.
We will definitely return, for their other produce and cakes looked oh so tempting, too....
An 8/10, as the seats were a bit hard and it was a tad clinical.