The Hidden Chapel

Wales is full of disused chapels, relics of a society where these places of worship formed the core of each community. So many separate nonconformist denominations resulted in chapels on every street, or in the middle of rural areas left empty and isolated now with no real indication of who actually attended. 

A more secular society means chapels in towns have been forced to join together for survival, leaving the vast majority empty or converted to homes, warehouses, shops or - as in the case of The Hidden Chapel - restaurants and B&Bs. 

The Hidden Chapel is delightful, ‘hidden’ amongst Conwy’s warren of little streets. It’s been beautifully converted, retaining its gallery and many other features, and this is where we spend this evening dining with friends.  We’ve been trying to meet up since last summer and finally manage to catch up. They probably travel even more than we do, so there’s lots of catching up.  

The venue boasts live music, and we’re entertained by an accomplished pianist who delivers a programme of gentle popular classics. The food is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the evening, though I do enjoy my main course of shallot tart tartin. 

As we leave to walk back to the car, it’s raining - that very gentle rain you hardly notice - and there’s that wonderful fresh smell I always associate with summer rain. It really does feel as if we’ve left the winter far behind.