Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Ponderosa Cafe

Unfortunately the Ponderosa Cafe Llangollen has closed its doors.
No reason for closure at the moment but looks long term.
For members who are not aware of the cafe.
Is was situated at the top of the Horse Shoe Pass North Wales a stopping off place for scenic runs.
It has been a venue for Classic Cars and thousands of Motorbikes.
A sad loss but hopefully might be bought and reopened .

Had many a sausage sandwich in there when I lived in Wales ... big blow for the local bikers and classics ... was a go-to place for a ride out ... nice big car park and always something interesting lurking in it. 🙁

Not lived there for ages, is there an alternative ride-out venue these days?


K

Things are not quite what they seem.

The ‘Pondy’ has been unwelcoming for quite some time, not allowing car groups to meet and discouraging some of the biking communities. The owner closed down the small Welsh gift shop ran by his sister and significantly restricted parking.

The demise isn’t sudden and has been in decline for at least 5 years - pre covid. The imposition of a 40mph limit over the Horshoe Pass and 20mph limits at either end have reduced the interest of those ‘out for a run’ too. One of the fixed cameras in the adjacent 20 zone is the highest grossing speed camera in Wales.

There’s a suspicion of some ‘wrong doings’ too but I won’t go into that here.

In addition, good friendly stops for bikers and cars are at either end of the A5104

Not been there since Covid as live up in Scotland ... sad it had problems.

Still visit relatives in N Wales every now and then ... what are the friendly stops you mention just in case?

K

I am aware of the family problems .
I just posted in case anyone was thinking of organising a scenic run.
I know my centre has change the rest stop.

At the southern end near Corwen is Rhug farm shop, closer to Chester is a biker cafe called “the old store”. Both very good and very friendly.

There's also a nice little Cafe near Rhug on the Wrexham road, and half the price !
Probably the one Grumpy refers to..........

Thanks guys ... will keep an eye out for those two when I'm next down ... knowing where the good cafes are never goes amiss!! 👍

K

Thanks for the heads up as we have used that as a cafe stop when organising our Welsh visits and scenic runs

We're back in April...so can you pop me a sack over the scamera

The Ponderosa was a magnet for bikers enjoying the Horseshoe Pass and other fantastic roads in the area.

The views are amazing.

As an ex biker from the area, I know it will be sorely missed. Hopefully it will reopen soon.