Chairman's Blog

by Chris Phillips

Bikers love Betws!

Betws is – and has long been – one of the most popular places to visit in North Wales, and has for many years been a favourite stopping point for bikers.

It may well be that when the sun is shining there are few places one would rather be. It could just as well be that the roads into, out of and surrounding the village are some of the best biking roads in the United Kingdom. Or is it because you can get some of the tastiest food and great ice cream there is to be had for many miles around?

Well the answer is probably a combination of all of the above, and in my opinion one of the finest eateries in the village is the Alpine Cafe*. Situated centrally in the village, right next to the single platform railway station, it is actually a cafe and gallery combined.

First impressions are good

The first thing you notice when entering is that it is light and airy, and very clean. Next to be noticed is the very long food counter, filled with an impressive array of sandwich ingredients and home-made cakes, pastries and flapjack. A truly delightful visage. Couple this with displays by featured local artists, free newspapers for customer use and big, comfy sofas to fall into in the conservatory, and you have an almost idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of this busy tourist honeypot.

The menu is extensive – actually a book rather than a list – and for those unfamiliar with the venue it is worth sitting down and perusing it to digest all the availability before ordering at the self-service counter. A rather nice quirk of this particular establishment is the ability to purchase just about every kind of tea that there is to be had from all over the world.

The Alpine has some seriously big tables!

If coffee is your favourite, then you will not be disappointed either. If it is a cappuccino, filter, mocha, latte, skinny or otherwise, de-caffeinated or fully drugged up, the choice is almost limitless. Cold drinks also abound, with choices ranging from canned to bottled, modern or traditional, fizzy or milk-based. If you are a hot chocolate fan, ask for cream and marshmallows with yours and prepare to be impressed.

One feature I particularly like about the Alpine Cafe is their willingness and ability to cater for all dietary requirements. If you are a Vegan or have food allergies, there is something on the menu for you that does not compromise quality or choice.

The food is as good as it looks

It is beyond the scope of this review to list all of the available food and beverages, but suffice to say that there is plenty of choice to cater for all pockets and all appetites. I have been a regular visitor for the best part of seven years and I have never had cause to complain, either about the service or produce.

Next time you are in Betws and are feeling a little peckish or thirsty, you could do a lot worse than pay a visit to the Alpine Cafe. I can guarantee you two things: I do not have shares in the business, and you will go there again.

Eat out the back and watch the trains

For those of you not familiar with the village, free motorbike parking is available in the car park opposite the cafe. The Alpine Cafe is definitely biker friendly, as well as being dog friendly – great for those of you who like to take your furry friends with you.

They also run two loyalty-card schemes. A free tea or coffee every tenth purchase, and a free sausage for your four-legged friend every fifth visit. Just ask for a loyalty card behind the counter and get the staff to stamp it each time you visit.

*Alpine Cafe, Station Approach, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AE – tel: 01690 710747 – http://www.alpinecoffeeshop.net/

Not your usual boring hot drink

Relax with the papers in the conservatory

Create your own sandwich or salad