Whats New at the Royal Sportsman Hotel

EARLY SPRING 2008 ISSUE	'Croeso' ~ Welcome

~ Journalists and Food Critics' Visits ~ Easter 2008 ~ AA Inspection ~ Narrow Gauge and Steam Railways ~ Steam trains return to the Cambrian Coast	~ February & Early March Offers ~ Something New’s Cooking ~ Pets Welcome ~ Gift Vouchers ~ Outdoor Activities for Everyone ~ Local News

Several national journalists and food critics recently stayed for long weekends at the Royal Sportsman. Comments included....

It may not be to everybody’s taste, but personally I say “thank God” for hotels like the Royal Sportsman. They have heart. They have soul...and the hotel’s 28 rooms are a good size, spotlessly clean and comfortable....the service throughout first class. Certainly the food we tried was top-notch. The pan-seared scallops got 10 out of 10 " Maria Breslin, Liverpool Echo, 29th January 2008

"Our base.... was the Royal Sportsman Hotel, situated in the heart of Porthmadog. It was the perfect place to stay, with friendly staff, fantastic food all sourced locally, great real ale from the local Purple Moose brewery and, most importantly, we could take the dog. In fact, he received an equally warm welcome, being greeted with a bowl of water and the offer of being taken for a walk by a member of staff should we want to leave him in the hotel – perish the thought!" Gillian Gray-Lancashire Evening Post, 11th January 2008

"The meals alone would make the drive north to the refurbished 3* Royal Sportsman worth while…a first class menu served by the friendliest staff you'll meet anywhere-Liz Keene, South Wales Echo- November 2007

" back at the hotel, we settled down for another superb meal".." We were pleased with our nicely decorated comfortable room, providing everything we needed…We began the day with yet more delicious food-a hearty Welsh cooked Breakfast.." Suzanne Roberts, Shropshire Star, October 2007

"It is the Royal Sportsman which seems to get everyone's nod of approval offering comfortable rooms and wonderful Welsh cuisine (with a taste of France and Italy) and is possibly the best place to stay in the area.." Liz Rowley-Midlands Sentinel, October 2007

..Family friendly takes on a whole new meaning…..The food is a real feature.."- Bethan Lloyd, Western Mail in August 2007

Why not try the meals cooked by Felix and Francis in one of our special early spring all inclusive breaks with no restrictions on the number of nights, time or dates. Available throughout February to March 16th 2008. This includes a free upgrade to a superior room if available, a three course open A La Carte dinner and full Welsh Breakfast. See our web site at www.royalsportsman.co.uk for the full list of offers and current menus.

Felix Prem (Head chef at Pengathley Manor country house) was appointed Head Chef in June and, recently, Francis Gomes (Senior Sous at the Royalist Hotel, Stow) joined as his deputy. Both have considerable multi AA rosette level and fine dining experience and in 5* international hotels, adding a further dimension to the range of dishes offered.

Both join Gwen Maurice, Head breakfast chef who was commended by the AA for producing one of the best starts of the day

Featured in the AA pet guidebook, the Hotel very much welcomes dog lovers who wish to stay with their pets.. Behind reception, you will be welcomed by Gelert, (normally with a bark!) our rescued collie that has been with us for over 5 years now. At the end of the day, guests can relax with their pets in our popular public bar named after him-Gelert's Bar
We offer dog walking twice a day and dog sitting, for a nominal charge. The hotel can also arrange a visit to one of the local rescue kennels either run by PAWS or Freshfields

Snowdonia, 840 sq. miles of most accessible and family friendly national parkland, the main adventure destination and the highest concentration of opportunities for outdoor activities in the British Isles. We organise all sorts of activity days for our guests from Horse riding in the mountains for both the novice and experienced, quad biking, paintball, clay pigeon shooting and archery, golf or even white water activities. In addition, Snowdonia is famous for its water sports, cycling, hill and coastal path walking, mountain climbing, even flying, Great Little trains, industrial heritage, castles, gardens, fishing, Osprey watching and so much more! All so easy to get to, in a small area with a warm Welsh welcome. For more information view our web site under activities or visit www.visitsnowdonia.info.

Good Friday is on 21st March and Easter Monday on the 24th. All the local attractions will be open and if the weather is as good as last year, it should a warm, sunny Easter

Portmeirion is open throughout the year and free entry tickets are available from the Hotel. These are valid until March 14th 2008.

"In terms of quality standards, the Hotel is to be congratulated for its dedication …and very high standards.. which creates an excellent impression.… Service and with a smile is a real strength here…..The eating options...offers guests a valuable choice with imagination and quality ingredients. "A high merit score is justified"..

Work on extending the line from Porthmadog to Caernarfon through Snowdonia is on target and expected to open Easter 2009.

The Welsh Highland Railway starts its spring programme on 15th March and until November is offering a number of family events. See www.whr.co.uk for more details

A double steam spectacular from July 28th -August 29th when special main line steam trains return to the Cambrian Coast main line between Machynlleth, Barmouth & Porthmadog. "The Cambrian" runs from Mondays to Fridays each week, and will continue through to Pwllheli on certain days. The principal steam locomotive for the 2008 season will be the Standard Black 4 loco, number 76079.

The hotel occasionally sends out newsletters with details of special offers, local news and events and developments within the hotel to those that have stayed here or contacted the hotel. We do not distribute, sell or share this information with any other party. If you do not wish to receive such information, please reply with your name, email address and the word ‘ remove ’and this will be done.

Journalists and Food Critics' Visits	February & Early March Offers
Several national journalists and food critics recently stayed for long weekends at the Royal Sportsman. Comments included.... It may not be to everybody’s taste, but personally I say “thank God” for hotels like the Royal Sportsman. They have heart. They have soul...and the hotel’s 28 rooms are a good size, spotlessly clean and comfortable....the service throughout first class. Certainly the food we tried was top-notch. The pan-seared scallops got 10 out of 10 " Maria Breslin, Liverpool Echo, 29th January 2008 "Our base.... was the Royal Sportsman Hotel, situated in the heart of Porthmadog. It was the perfect place to stay, with friendly staff, fantastic food all sourced locally, great real ale from the local Purple Moose brewery and, most importantly, we could take the dog. In fact, he received an equally warm welcome, being greeted with a bowl of water and the offer of being taken for a walk by a member of staff should we want to leave him in the hotel – perish the thought!" Gillian Gray-Lancashire Evening Post, 11th January 2008 "The meals alone would make the drive north to the refurbished 3* Royal Sportsman worth while…a first class menu served by the friendliest staff you'll meet anywhere-Liz Keene, South Wales Echo- November 2007 " back at the hotel, we settled down for another superb meal".." We were pleased with our nicely decorated comfortable room, providing everything we needed…We began the day with yet more delicious food-a hearty Welsh cooked Breakfast.." Suzanne Roberts, Shropshire Star, October 2007 "It is the Royal Sportsman which seems to get everyone's nod of approval offering comfortable rooms and wonderful Welsh cuisine (with a taste of France and Italy) and is possibly the best place to stay in the area.." Liz Rowley-Midlands Sentinel, October 2007 ..Family friendly takes on a whole new meaning…..The food is a real feature.."- Bethan Lloyd, Western Mail in August 2007	Why not try the meals cooked by Felix and Francis in one of our special early spring all inclusive breaks with no restrictions on the number of nights, time or dates. Available throughout February to March 16th 2008. This includes a free upgrade to a superior room if available, a three course open A La Carte dinner and full Welsh Breakfast. See our web site at www.royalsportsman.co.uk for the full list of offers and current menus.
	Something New’s Cooking
	We are really excited about 2008 as the Hotel's food is fast becoming the best in Porthmadog, using the finest locally sourced Welsh ingredients combined with the skills and experience of our new chefs Felix Prem (Head chef at Pengathley Manor country house) was appointed Head Chef in June and, recently, Francis Gomes (Senior Sous at the Royalist Hotel, Stow) joined as his deputy. Both have considerable multi AA rosette level and fine dining experience and in 5* international hotels, adding a further dimension to the range of dishes offered. Both join Gwen Maurice, Head breakfast chef who was commended by the AA for producing one of the best starts of the day
	Pets Welcome
	Featured in the AA pet guidebook, the Hotel very much welcomes dog lovers who wish to stay with their pets.. Behind reception, you will be welcomed by Gelert, (normally with a bark!) our rescued collie that has been with us for over 5 years now. At the end of the day, guests can relax with their pets in our popular public bar named after him-Gelert's Bar We offer dog walking twice a day and dog sitting, for a nominal charge. The hotel can also arrange a visit to one of the local rescue kennels either run by PAWS or Freshfields
	Gift Vouchers
	Why not give family or close friends a gift voucher as a present or to celebrate an anniversary, a birthday or a 'special occasion'. These can be used to book a room, dinner or even an activity break which are becoming very popular.
	Outdoor Activities for Everyone
	Snowdonia, 840 sq. miles of most accessible and family friendly national parkland, the main adventure destination and the highest concentration of opportunities for outdoor activities in the British Isles. We organise all sorts of activity days for our guests from Horse riding in the mountains for both the novice and experienced, quad biking, paintball, clay pigeon shooting and archery, golf or even white water activities. In addition, Snowdonia is famous for its water sports, cycling, hill and coastal path walking, mountain climbing, even flying, Great Little trains, industrial heritage, castles, gardens, fishing, Osprey watching and so much more! All so easy to get to, in a small area with a warm Welsh welcome. For more information view our web site under activities or visit www.visitsnowdonia.info.
Easter 2008 Easter is coming early this year! Good Friday is on 21st March and Easter Monday on the 24th. All the local attractions will be open and if the weather is as good as last year, it should a warm, sunny Easter	Local News
	Portmeirion is open throughout the year and free entry tickets are available from the Hotel. These are valid until March 14th 2008.
AA Inspection
"In terms of quality standards, the Hotel is to be congratulated for its dedication …and very high standards.. which creates an excellent impression.… Service and with a smile is a real strength here…..The eating options...offers guests a valuable choice with imagination and quality ingredients. "A high merit score is justified"..