Saracen's Head Inn, Symonds Yat East

Just because we could we broke our journey to Pembrokeshire with an overnight stop at Symonds Yat. The Saracen's Head Inn is on the western bank of the Wye river, in a deep gorge, the 'yat' from which the name derives. The weather was kind and, therefore, the first impression of the location was very positive.

Having been driving for a few hours and arriving at what a good friend would call beer o'clock we enjoyed a drink seated on the riverside terrace.

Entertainment was provided by kayakers performing Eskimo rolls, two young men struggling to stay on a paddle board and an itinerant guitarist nearly playing a selection of rock song intros.

Dinner was booked for 7pm. We kept things simple with only a main course each. One Haddock and chips with mushy peas and one Venison faggots with mash and seasonal greens.

Good pub food. Unpretentious, well cooked and presented. The single glass of Rioja was underwhelming, but pub wine generally is.

All-in-all, a very enjoyable stay in a lovely location.

P.s. Breakfast was excellent!

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