A WELSH Methodist chapel in Conwy which was transformed into a restaurant is celebrating a successful first year of business with plans to expand.

The Hidden Chapel, found on York Place (off Lancaster Square), was converted by owners Monica and Colin Leboutillier, who purchased the chapel about a decade ago.

Monica and Colin started serving food at The Hidden Chapel 12 months ago, following the arrival of head chef, Daniel Peate, and a new à la carte menu has proved a great success.

Colin said: “Now having been open for just over a year, we feel we are now establishing ourselves as an unique venue in Conwy, serving quality meals using locally sourced ingredients.

“The restaurant certainly has the wow factor, situated within the converted Welsh Methodist chapel, retaining many of its original features, including the impressive organ.”

Inside The Hidden ChapelInside The Hidden Chapel (Image: Newsquest)The restaurant, open from Thursday to Sunday currently, will start serving traditional Sunday lunches from October 20.

It also regularly hosts live music, and plans to hold wine tasting and murder mystery events in November.

Its winter opening hours are 12-3.30pm and 5.30-9.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 12-3.30pm on Sundays.

The à la carte menu, meanwhile, features such dishes as beetroot and gin-infused salmon, warm ham hock terrine, roast chicken, pumpkin risotto and white chocolate cheesecake.

Colin added: “It’s been a good first year. We’re getting much better feedback. The word is getting out there, now - I think it’s starting to grow organically.

“At the moment, the à la carte menu’s doing well – it changes on a regular basis, and we’ve already started preparing for the Christmas menu.

Inside The Hidden ChapelInside The Hidden Chapel (Image: Newsquest) “The desserts are really special, especially the raspberry cheesecake!

“We’re looking at putting films on every few weeks, as well – that would be a ‘dine-in and film experience’.

“It’s quite a unique venue, and ideal for smaller groups.”

Christmas festive dining will be available at The Hidden Chapel every Thursday, Friday or Saturday between November 29 and December 21, and will comprise a five-course menu at £45 per adult.

The chapel will be dressed with its real giant Christmas trees by then, too.

Children are not catered for at the restaurant, while reservations can be made on its website.