• Home Page
• Latest News
• Family Days
• Reviews
• Pictures
• Videos
• Town Guides
• Phrase Book
• Maps
• Books & Gifts

Today's Weather:

14c Mostly Clear

Please enter your email address for latest news and updates

Hotels in North Wales



• Top Hotels
• Sporting Activities
• Tourist Attractions
• Theatres
• Cinemas
• Golf
• Zoos, Parks & Gardens
• Canal Trips

Signatures
Aberconwy Resort & Spa, Aberconwy Park, Conwy, 01492 583513
www.signaturesrestaurant.co.uk  

AS two of our number were going to be away for Christmas it was decided that a family gathering was in order to wish them bon voyage and to enjoy a convivial get together.

But choosing a venue for the meal wasn't that easy as our party ranged in age from a not quite three-year-old, to Great Nana who is 94. Not every restaurant welcomes tiny tots, and our family matriarch who is not as sprightly on her pins as she used to be and also has poor eyesight, there needed level access with not too far to walk from car parking.

After a few enquiries and hearing hearty recommendations we opted for Signatures Restaurant at the Aberconwy Holiday Park on Conwy Morfa.

A holiday park might not be the obvious place to find a fine dining restaurant, but the Aberconwy Park is an upmarket place where I dare say the words "mobile home" are frowned upon. In addition to Signatures it boasts a swish health club and spa.

So we booked a table for 10 at Signatures and on the Sunday before Christmas rolled up en masse to sample its delights.

First impressions were excellent. There is a capacious car park, and I was able to secure a space close to the restaurant which meant Great Nana didn't have to walk too far along a flat flagged pathway.

The second pleasant surprise was not just that the venue has wide glass doors, but members of staff were waiting to open them so we could walk inside without the usual kerfuffle of my trying to open the door while supporting her with the other arm.

Inside, as the same members of staff helped us off with our coats and whisked them away we found a pleasant lounge area with comfy leather sofas and low tables where within a couple of minutes we were comfortably settled with drinks and reading the lunch menu, two courses for £12.95 and three for £15.95.

There was also a two course childrens' menu for £7.95 and there was absolutely no demur when we asked if Hannah and Owain could share a meal.

After a few minutes enjoying our pre-meal drinks and catching up on all the family news we were taken to our table in The restaurant is furnished and decorated in creams and browns, and has what I regard as a huge plus feature, an open service counter which allows diners to see the kitchen.

There is something strangely reassuring about being able to see chefs in immaculate whites working in a glistening stainless steel environment.

The head chef at Signatures has previously graced other top class local eateries so we expected to be served well prepared and presented food and we weren't disappointed.

For starters, we chose smoked salmon risotto, home made soup of the day, black pudding on potato rosti topped with a poached egg, field mushrooms with Stilton cheese, and smooth chicken liver parfait with grape chutney and toasted brioche.

Hannah and Owain's main courses were served at the same time as our starters, to avoid that awkward hiatus when the children have to amuse themselves while the grown ups tuck in.

They had home made pizza, which came with proper chips and beans and the ever helpful staff provided two plates so they could share. They tucked in happily and seemed to enjoy every mouthful.

From the appreciative oohs and aahs around the table it certainly seemed everyone else's choices were as good as my mushrooms and Stilton.

For mains, two opted for the traditional turkey served with all the trimmings, four chose beef, and two lamb.
The turkey was the real thing. Thick slices obviously carved straight from the bird, with all the usual accompaniments including creamy home made bread sauce.

Those who had chosen beef were not disappointed either as it was flavoursome and tender and came with the largest, crispest Yorkshire puddings I've seen for a long time.

My choice of slow roast lamb was melt in the mouth tender with a rich wine gravy, which complemented it perfectly. My only small gripe was that the mint sauce was bottled.

I know mint doesn't grow in winter but mint jelly would have been a better, less acidic option.
After clearing our plates in record time there was a debate as to whether any of us could manage dessert, but Two of the men couldn't resist the lure of sticky toffee pudding, while the rest of us decided we could squeeze down home made ice cream or sorbet. My sorbets were as deliciously light and fruity as any I have tasted.

We turned down coffee as by now we were pretty well full to bursting.

Signatures was excellent, not just because of the food, but because of the charming staff who looked after every need and made us all, from the youngest to the oldest feel welcome.

So if you have a special family occasion coming up and are looking for somewhere to celebrate it try Signatures, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

the bill

8 x starters £24
8 x main courses £79.60
8 x desserts £24
1x. childrens' meal £7.95
1 x bottle Chilean merlot £13.95
3 x Martini £6.30
3 x tonic water £3
1 x sparkling water £1.60
2 x beers £4.20
3 x fruit juice £4.50
1 x coke £1.25
1 x cordial £0.40

total £171.75


the facts

disabled access: excellent no steps
surroundings : designer chic but welcoming
service: very efficient and friendly
food: freshly cooked from mainly locally sourced ingredients, beautifully presented
overall: a top class dining experience
Open Weds-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun noon-6pm, closed Mon & Tues

Signatures
Aberconwy Resort & Spa, Aberconwy Park, Conwy, 01492 583513
www.signaturesrestaurant.co.uk