New Oakeley Blog

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We're thrilled to announce that the Oakeley Arms has a new-look website! And we've got a brand new blog to go along with it! We're in the process of moving all of the historic posts on the old blog over to the new one so that the content won't be lost, but from now on you'll need to check the new blog address for updates and blog stories.

Check us out at www.oakeleyarms.co.uk/blog  

If you've signed up for e-mail updates, then you'll just need to do this again at the new blog site - click the small FOLLOW button in the bottom right hand corner.

Thanks so much for supporting our blog! And don't forget, if you have any story ideas or things you'd like to see on the Oakeley Arms blog, then let us know!

www.oakeleyarms.co.uk/blog 

image by JayLopez on sxc.hu

Special Offer, Special Offer

Oakeley Holiday Cottages

This is not one too miss! Don't forget about our very SPECIAL OFFER on our stunning Welsh holiday cottages, situated right here in the Oakeley Arms Hotel grounds. Each cottage has been lovingly renovated and restored and are packed with period features but kitted out with modern appliances. They are the perfect option for your self-catering holiday in Snowdonia.

Our special offer is for the three bedroom cottage (which sleeps six people). Usually £800 a week, this beautiful cottage can be yours for the week for just £500! 

To take advantage of this fabulous offer and save £300 on the usual price of £800, call or e-mail today to check available dates and to book. Quote BLOGOFFER when you enquire. 

The offer is subject to availability. For more details about the holiday cottages, see our website click here. 

info@oakeleyarms.co.uk or 01766 590 277

Special Offer on Snowdonia Self Catering

Oakeley Holiday Cottages

Summer's just around the corner folks, we promise! Have you sorted your summer break yet? Well, just for you, lovely blog readers, here is a very SPECIAL OFFER that is just toooooooooo good to ignore. 

Here at the Oakeley Arms, we've got a stunning range of self-catering holiday cottages in the hotel grounds, that are just waiting to be the perfect companions to your holiday in Wales.

A stable block was lovingly converted last year into stunning holiday cottages - each one packed with period features but kitted out with modern appliances to make sure your stay is a comfy one.

Our special offer is for the three bedroom cottage (which sleeps six people). Usually £800 a week, this beautiful cottage can be yours for the week for just £500! That's less than £85 a week each for a stay in our fabulous holiday cottages in Snowdonia. 

But, just what is there to see and do in our beautiful area? As it happens, there's LOADS!  We've put together a little itinerary for your week, full of our best suggestions to make the most of your holiday in Snowdonia.

• Saturday - arrive and unpack. Have a wander into Maentwrog village and explore our pretty church, the stunning Llyn Mair and the beautiful views of the Vale of Ffestiniog. Come back for a delicious bar meal at the Oakeley Arms.
• Sunday - Head into the nearby town of Porthmadog, just five miles away. There's a supermarket and selection of greengrocers, delis and off-licences so you can stock up on essentials. And while you're there, explore the historic harbour and the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.

Stunning views of the Moelwyn and Cnicht mountains from Porthmadog

• Monday - Enjoy a day out at the magical Portmeirion village. This famous Italinate village was built by local eccentric architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, and the peaceful grounds and idyllic village are a must see! Don't miss the remote beach and the wild landscapes, as well as the pretty village centre with it's shops, cafes and ice cream!
• Tuesday - Feeling energetic today? Good! Because it's time for a trip up Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon! Reaching the top of this beautiful peak will inspire and enthrall you. And if you really don't feel like the trek, then you can take a short-cut to the top - via the Snowdon Railway!

Take a trip up Wales' highest peak

• Wednesday - phew! Ok, today you can have a rest after yesterday's exertion, but there's still plenty to see. How about jumping on the historic Ffestiniog Railway at the nearby station of Tan-y-Bwlch? Enjoy the scenic journey to the mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you can visit the subterranean slate mines before jumping on the train back.
• Thursday - Today is one for the family, with a trip to Gypsy Wood Park, a fabulous animal activity park for little, and big, kids alike!
• Friday - Ready to make like a medieval knight and enjoy a spot of history? Today it's time for a trip to nearby Harlech castle. This spectacular thirteenth century fort is one of Edward I's Iron Ring which were built to subdue his greatest enemy - the Welsh army! Delve into the history and zoom back in time at one of Wales' most historic buildings.

Historic Harlech

• Saturday - put on your sad faces, because it's time to go home...... We hope you enjoy your stay as much as Snowdonia enjoyed entertaining you! And come back again and visit us soon.

And don't forget to take a look at our blog posts, website or ask any of our staff for more ideas for great days out, local walks and things to do and see. We promise you won't be bored!

To take advantage of this fabulous offer (remember, it's just £500 for the 3 bed self-catering cottage that sleeps 6 people - that's a whopping £300 saving on the usual price of £800!). For more details about the holiday cottages, see our website click here. 

Call or e-mail today to check available dates and to book. Quote BLOGOFFER when you enquire. The offer is subject to availability.

info@oakeleyarms.co.uk or 01766 590 277

Wales and the Scots

A Scottish Visit

 

So, the RBS Six Nations Rugby Championships is marching on, with the penultimate round of games  being played before the grand finale next weekend. This Saturday sees Wales take on Scotland, at their Murrayfield ground.

Since 1992, Scotland and Wales have played 21 times, and Wales have won 13 of those games and have drawn once. Hopefully the boys can keep up the good work this weekend.

Don't forget that you can catch all the Wales rugby games at the Oakeley Arms bar. Don't miss this Saturday's match; kick off is at 14:30. And there'll even be free home-made curry or chilli for everyone at half time.

See you there! Come on Cymru!!

 

 

Image by al green via Wikimedia Commons

Rugby

Italian Dreams

 

Don't forget that this Saturday, the Welsh International Rugby team play Italy in the latest round of the RBS Six Nations Rugby Championships.

 

The Welsh team are heading out to Rome for the game on Saturday, at the Stadio Olimpico in the city. Since 1992, Italy and Wales have met 13 times. Wales have won 10 of those games, and have drawn once, so it's a fabulous track record. Keep up the good work boys!

 

Italian rugby really came to international attention when Italy joined what was then the Five Nations Rugby Championships in 2000. Since then, the team have gone from strength to strength, and are now rated 9th in the world. So, they won't be pushovers, but we're hoping that Wales can bring home a great win on Saturday!

 

Don't forget that you can catch all the Wales rugby games at the Oakeley Arms bar. Don't miss this Saturday's, kick off is at 14:30. And there'll even be free home-made curry or chilli for everyone at half time.

 

See you there! Come on Cymru!!

 

Previous Wales vs Italy match at the Millenium Stadium

Image by Ezioman via Wikimedia Commons

 

National Chip Week

Mr Chips

We're pretty excited here at the Oakeley Arms, because did you know that this week is National Chip Week? No, we don't mean the clever little things that are hiding in your laptop, but the yummy and delicious chunks of potato that make any meal a feast fit for a king!



 

We don't need much of an excuse to indulge in one of our favourite treats, so this week is the perfect reason to tuck into a chip or two!

 

Chips (or French Fries as the Europeans and Americans call them.....) are one of the world's most popular snacks and potato dishes. Whether you're in Snowdonia or in Timbuktu, you're never far away from a chip or two. But, there has always been some debate as to the history of chips - the French claim that they invented them, whereas Belgium have also laid claim to the humble fried potato, as far back as the 17th century!

 

Traditionally, here in the UK, chips are served much thicker and chunkier than the usual skinny french fry. It is thought that the first chips were served here in 1860, in a market stall in Oldham. The classic British dish of Fish & Chips is one of the most popular ways to eat these yummy fried potatoes, but we think that chips go with pretty much anything!

 

image by idesign-er on sxc.hu

 

How do you eat yours? With salt and vinegar? Ketchup? Brown sauce? Do you love a sprinkling of cheese on top? Or do they have to be naked? Tell us how you love your chips!

 

Hungry? Why not pop down to the Oakeley Arms for a taste of our yummy chips. Have a peek at our delicious Welsh menu here.

 

National Chip Week runs from the 18th - 24th February. Find our more on the website, click here

 

 

Time to Parteeeeeeeeeeeey

New Year's Eve

 

It seems that 2013 is going to be a pretty special year...... what with a royal baby, solar flares and the Rugby League World Cup to name but a few of the exciting events for the coming year. So, what better way to kick it all of than with an Oakeley New Year's Eve extravaganza?

 

It'll be the usual Oakeley Arms magic, sprinkled with loads of fun, some awesome music and some fantastical fancy dress outfits. There'll also be a late bar and fireworks at midnight. It really is not to be missed.

 

No ticket required and all are welcome. Be there or be square!

 

 

 

For more info call us on 01766 590277 or drop us an e-mail info@oakeleyarms.co.uk

 

And if you'd rather drink than drive, why not book one of our lovely hotel rooms or self catering cottages. Great deals available now! See our website www.oakeleyarms.co.uk for more info.

 

 

 

Happy Christmas

Ho Ho Ho

 

Christmas is here!! Peel back the last square on the advent calendar, send that final e-mail, run around the house with the hoover one last time, wrap the last minute presents and pour yourselves a big drink! It's time to get festive!

 

From all of us here at the Oakeley Arms, we wish all our lovely guests, customers, suppliers, friends and family a very happy Christmas indeed. Thank you for your support and custom over the last year, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

 

We hope Santa is good to you all; don't forget to hang out your stockings tonight and leave a tasty carrot for Rudolf and a glass of something for old hard workin' Santa!

 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!

Image by MoyMaster on sxc.hu

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to 2013

New Year's Eve at the Oakeley Arms Hotel

It's that time of year again!! We are super excited here at the Oakeley Arms about our fabulous New Years Eve extravaganza. It's not one to be missed.

 

We've got loads of entertainment - there's a funky disco, rock'n'roll bingo, a raffle for great prizes, fireworks at midnight, a fancy dress competition and all topped off by a late bar!

 

This year there's no need to buy a ticket; this fab event is open to all!

 

And don't forget that bar meals will be available till 9pm, so have a final feast before the New Year diet!

 

 

Don't fancy getting in the taxi queue? How about booking one of our lovely hotel rooms, or even one of the beautiful holiday cottages for a truly relaxing New Year break. And there are GREAT winter discounts available at the moment.

 

Click here for more details about the rooms.

 

Click here for details about the self catering cottages.

 

To book or for prices, give us a call (01766 590277) or drop us an e-mail (info@oakeleyarms.co.uk)

 

 

Image by Ba1969 on sxc.hu

 

Self Catering at the Oakeley Arms

4* luxury at the Oakeley Arms Cottages

If you're looking for holiday cottages in Snowdonia, then look no further than the Oakeley Arms! Our lovely self-catering cottages are a relatively new addition to the Oakeley, so many of our customers don't know what lies just behind the hotel building!

Once derelict stables have been lovingly renovated into stunning holiday cottages set in the Oakeley Arms Hotel grounds. These charming self catering cottages in the heart of Snowdonia are enchantingly named after local mountains and rivers (don’t worry we’ll help with the pronounciation!)

Traditional furniture and original features mean that the cottages contain an abundance of charm and period style, but modern and quality fixtures mean that you won't have to compromise on style or practicality.

You’ll be greeted with wine and cakes on arrival and bed-linen and towels are provided. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the fabulous views across the Vale of Ffestiniog.

The cottages are within easy reach of the area’s popular attractions and local towns.

For more details, prices and to book see our website www.oakeleyarms.co.uk or call us on 01766 590 277

Jubilee Garden Party

Party fit for a Queen!

Gosh, we are being spoilt next week. Not only have we got a fabulous four-day-weekend, thanks to the extra-long bank holiday weekend, but we've got the brilliant Oakeley Arms Jubilee Garden Party to look forward to.

This fabulous event will take place on the bank holiday Monday 4th June, and will be a fun-filled celebration of the Queen's Jubilee anniversary.

We'll have live music and a hog roast and loads of fun stuff like a rodeo bull, magician and a bouncy castle.

There's no entry charge for this event, but there will be a fee for the hog roast and drinks.

Some come along and join us for a brilliant Jubilee extravaganza, and keep your fingers crossed for sunshine!

See you there!

From 1:00pm Monday 4th June at the Oakeley Arms

image by Kate Krav on sxc.hu

Egg-tastic!

And the winner is......

After a brilliant day at the Oakeley Arms on Easter Sunday, we are delighted to announce that the winner of the giant chocolate egg raffle is.....Mr Med Price!

And here's a picture of us (reluctantly) handing it over

but what a star, he did bring some back in for us all to nibble on, and deliciously egg-stra special it was too (sorry, we promise no more egg puns now.....well, till next Easter anyway!)

The whole event was a huge success, and a whopping £700.88 was raised for St Twrog's Church, which is a great result. Thanks to all who attended and contributed.

Gwynedd Charity Fundraising Venue

If any charity volunteers or fundraisers would like to hold their fundraising event at the Oakeley Arms, then do get in touch; we're the ideal venue!

www.oakeleyarms.co.uk or info@oakeleyarms.co.uk or 01766 590 277

Easter Egg Hunt

The Hunt is On!

Here at the Oakeley, we've just about reached fever pitch. The sunshine's dancing in the beer garden, a giant bunny's just walked into the bar and the smell of chocolate is in the air.

It can only mean one thing - Easter's nearly here!! And to celebrate we're hosting an Easter Extravaganza. It'll include one of the best Easter Egg hunts in Gwynedd, as well as stalls, an easter bunny and the chance to win this stunning egg in the raffle.

If you win, save some for us please!!

It's all taking place on Easter Sunday (8th April), so come along and join the fun.

There'll be a small charge for entry, and all proceeds to go to the St Twrog's church fund.

More details to follow soon!

Be there or be a square egg :)





Valentine's Menu

Dinner Date

There's less than a week to go now until Valentine's Day, so don't get caught out and end up with your dinner in the dog - treat your loved one to a fabulous meal at the Oakeley Arms.

Here's the menu to tickle your taste buds....

You can call or e-mail us to book a table. We're serving the menu all week (13th-19th Feb)

Cost is £22.50 per person; call or e-mail us to book

01766 590 346 or info@oakeleyarms.co.uk



Happy romancing!! xx

Valentine's Menu

Love is in the Air.....

Is your love "like a red, red, rose....." as our old friend Mr Burns proclaimed, or is it more like an onion "that will blind you with tears" as our current poet laureate Carole Ann Duffy grimly declares?

Well, whatever form your love takes, what better way to show someone you lurrrrve them than with a fabulous dinner at the Oakeley Arms restaurant?

We've got a delicious menu lined up for all the love-birds who stumble over our romantic threshold, and here's a sneaky peak just for our lovely blog readers......

We're serving this lovely menu all of Valentine's week (13th - 19th February), so come on - earn those brownie points!

Cost is £22.50 per person; call or e-mail us to book

01766 590 346 or info@oakeleyarms.co.uk



It's never too late....

you've still got time.....

to get your hands on some tickets for the Oakeley Arms New Year's extravaganza!

There are still a few tickets available, so don't miss out! Contact us to reserve some for you, and come and join us for a fabulous party to welcome in the New Year. It's set to be a stonker!

image by vhujer on sxc.hu

We've even got a mini-bus running between Blaenau and Port, so you don't even have to worry about wobbling home!!

£20 advance or £25 on the door.

Contact us if you need more information about times, fancy dress or any other details.

See you there!!

Happy Christmas!

To quote one of our favourite festive tunes........

"it's Chriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiistmas!"

Yes, it's finally arrived! Happy Christmas everyone!!

image: johnnyberg on sxc

We hope that the turkey's stuffed, the sherry bottle's on its way to empty and the stockings are ready and waiting; all that remains to be seen is just who's been good and who's been naughty this year - or is it that Santa has just misplaced your wish-list???

To all our lovely customers, friends and family, we wish you a very merry Christmas indeed, and we look forward to welcoming you at the Oakeley in 2012.

See you soon, from all of us at the Oakeley Arms.

2012 is on the way

Hot-cakes

image by Billy F Alexander on sxc.hu

Don't miss out on the Oakeley's best New Year's Eve party yet! Tickets are selling like the proverbial little hot-cakes, so come and get yours now before they all sell out!

It's a fancy dress theme (back to the 80s!) and there'll be music, dancing, fun, games and a delicious buffet, as well as a late bar and plenty of fizz.

Tickets available from the hotel.

£20 (advance) or £25 (on the door)

See you there!!

Welcome to 2012!!

New Year's Eve at the Oakeley Arms

All together now!

"Shouuuuuuld aaaauld aquaintance be forgot aaaaaaand, dah, dih, dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum, dah, dih, dum, dum aaaaaaaand auld laaaang syne......"

Hope you've got your vocal chords stretched, exercised and raring to go for the Oakeley's New Year's Eve party!

We will forgive you for not knowing all the words to Auld Lang Syne (let's face it, who does?) but we won't forgive you for not coming along to the best Oakeley Arms New Year's Eve bash yet!

We've got entertainment!

We've got fireworks!

We've got a delicious hot & cold buffet!

We've got a rockin' disco!

And there'll be plenty of fun, games and dancing along with a late bar and bubbles to see in the New Year with.

We know a party isn't a party if it isn't FANCY DRESS. So what's the theme, I hear you cry?! It's the good ole' 80s!

It is a ticket only event. You can purchase tickets in advance from the hotel or on the door (subject to availability).

Prices: £20 (advance) and £25 on the door.

Be there or be very square indeed....

See you there!

Sunday Treats

What are you up to on Sunday?

As regulars to the Oakeley Arms will know, Sunday is one of our favourite days. And that's because Sunday is CARVERY DAY!

We've been told by many of our regular diners that the Oakeley Arms carvery is one of the best in Gwynedd. A bold statement we know, but we thought we'd let our happy, and full, customers  speak out for us!

As well as piling your plate with delicious local meats, vegetables and all the trimmings from the carvery, we also let you in on another secret and a fabulous Sunday treat. Special guest singer Mared Emlyn charms Oakeley diners every Sunday with her selection of chilled out modern and classical songs. From show tunes to folk songs to classical ballads, at the tender age of 15, Mared has mastered them all.

Mared, who's a pupil at nearby Ysgol y Gader in Dolgellau, has been singing since she was five years old. She's won numerous national Eisteddfod prizes as well as countless local recital and musical competitions. In a few weeks time, she'll be trying the Grade 7 Singing exam at the prestigious Royal College of Music. And not only does she sing, but she plays the piano, harp, guitar and drums.

She certainly is a talented young lady. So what are you waiting for? Come along on Sunday for Gwynedd's best carvery and a magical musical treat.

See you there!

As well as appearing at the Oakeley every Sunday, Gwynedd based singer Mared performs at private functions, parties and weddings. For more information, you can contact her at parry4py@btinternet.com