WE PAID a visit to a converted Welsh Methodist chapel in Conwy on October 20, followings its launch of a “small plates menu” in late July.
“The Hidden Chapel”, found on York Place (off Lancaster Square), set up its menu after the arrival of its new head chef, Daniel Peate.
Using ingredients sourced from North Wales, and creating dishes freshly prepared in its kitchen, The Hidden Chapel has created “a menu full of flavour”.
During our visit, we were treated to a delicious number of small plates:
- Mackerel, brioche, gremolata, rocket and almond pesto.
- Crayfish Caesar salad (special).
- Roast cauliflower, yeast purée, caper, grape and rocket.
- Beef shin, jacket mash, sweetcorn, tender stem.
- Baked rice pudding.
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Converted chapel in Conwy expands as it starts serving food
Owners Monica and Colin Leboutillier purchased the chapel 10 years ago and have since converted it, retaining its classic features all the while.
They also run the 11-room Gwynfryn B&B, adjacent to The Hidden Chapel.
Having already hosted a “murder mystery” event at The Hidden Chapel, Colin is hoping to introduce live music at the venue soon, and is in the process of hiring a “front of house” member of staff.
He said: “We’d been planning to do food on a regularly basis since the pandemic, but we needed a chef, which took a while!
“The feedback on the food has always been positive. The beef shin has been a good one for us – I just like them all!
“At the moment, we’re planning to keep the small plates on over Christmas, but maybe bring a Christmas menu alongside it.
"We want everything to be seasonal and local, where it can be.
“There’s hopefully a bit more of a mature environment here, and that’s kind of what we’re aiming for.”
Daniel has previously worked in the kitchen at The Grove hotel in Watford, and at Cotswold House hotel and spa in Chipping Campden.
He added: “I saw this building and thought: ‘I’ve got to go and at least talk to them!’
“We want it to be less of a bar and more of a food place – if we can turn into a ‘food destination’ – where people come here, eat, and stay, that would be much more beneficial for us.”
The Hidden Chapel is open on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and its small plates menu does not cater for children.
Food is served between 12-2pm, and then from 5.30-8pm.
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