A bite to eat at Bert’s Kitchen Garden
There’s something special about a place where you can stand on a sandy beach and gaze out over crystal clear waters at a spectacular view of the mountains. It was this magical mishmash of landscape that drew Ali and Ian Paice to settle in Trefor, a sleepy quarry village on the Llŷn Peninsula after four years of travelling the globe with their kids. Now the proud owners of Bert’s, named after the school bus the family travelled the world in, a site for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So much more than a campsite, once an old farm, Bert’s is now home to a thriving kitchen garden and eco retreat.
Where the mountains meet the sea
Whether you’re staying, eating or just passing through, the whole site is centred around creating a space for people to escape the everyday, connect with nature and digitally detox. The team has maintained just the right amount of wildness and it’s somewhere for kids to run free, parents to unwind and people to come together. Sounds pretty idyllic right?
Come for the setting, stay for the food
Pulling up a chair in Bert’s Kitchen Garden (BKG), Ali’s background in hospitality is clear to see. Now a renowned spot for foodies and gastronomes, the team at BKG are a force to be reckoned with. Passing through the garden with the heady scent of fresh rosemary and thyme, the vibe is relaxed, family friendly and cosy.
The menu? Jam-packed with homegrown veggies and locally sourced ingredients, not to mention a cocktail list of dreams. It’s simple and showcases the very best that North Wales has to offer. After a day exploring the peninsula, settling down with a beautifully cooked steak and house chimichurri really takes some beating!
For those looking to try something different, Bert’s run regular supper clubs with Fig in the Wild. Indulge in a four-course seasonal tasting under the North Wales moonlight with fellow foodies!
Where coffee meets community
Another feather to Bert’s bow is the newly opened Beachside, a mobile cafe space aimed at supporting the year-round employment of local, Welsh-speaking youngsters. As well as making killer coffee, the cafe looks to empower local young adults to gain work experience, develop essential life skills and build their confidence.
Explore the area
In terms of the surroundings, Bert’s is in a plum position around the corner from Trefor beach, an historic stretch of coastline marked with rugged peaks. Looking to walk off a delicious dinner at the garden kitchen? The Wales Coast Path is nearby and offers breathtaking views. At the top of the cliff is the Trefor Quarry, now closed but was in its heyday one of the largest granite quarries in the world. Fans of House of Dragon might recognise it as Dragonstone!
After a long, hazy dinner at Bert’s Kitchen Garden, you’ll want to keep the drive home short. Bundle sleepy kids into the car and debrief on your favourite dishes all the way home. If you’re looking to stay nearby, Nefyn is a postcard-perfect seaside village about 20 minutes down the road. Or for those looking for some buzz, Pwllheli is known as the unofficial capital of the Llŷn Peninsula.
