Y Maes: From vision to vibrant hub in the heart of Criccieth
From smithy to food hub in Criccieth
Long before it became Y Maes, the building at the centre of Criccieth had lived many lives. Maps from the 19th century show it as a working smithy, before it later became an early car repair workshop and petrol filling station. By the 1980s it was home to a slate workshop and craft retail shop, and more recently a charity shop. By the time plans were submitted to redevelop the site, it had fallen into disrepair — described in a BBC article as a “dilapidated eyesore” in need of new purpose.
The vision put forward was for a “vibrant hub” that would revive the centre of town: food, drink, events and community under one roof. Four years later, that idea came to life as Y Maes.
Creating the Y Maes brand in 2024
We first met Lloyd Edwards and the Y Maes team in spring 2024, when renovations were under way. From the very first conversations, Lloyd was clear that the brand should be firmly rooted in Criccieth — not just in name, but in how it looked and felt. The logo was shaped around the silhouette of Criccieth Castle, a landmark that defines the town. And for the wider identity, we integrated photographic textures taken directly from the building itself, using its stone and slate details as backgrounds and design elements on the website. By May that year, the brand was complete: an identity that connected the venue’s future to its past.
Opening night at Criccieth’s new food and drink destination
Exactly a year later, in May 2025, Y Maes opened its doors. The once-empty shell had been transformed into a buzzing food hub with five independent kitchens, a bar pouring Welsh beers and spirits, and a calendar full of live music and community events. The identity we created had been thoughtfully brought to life across the space — from the menus to the signage, and even on the staff uniforms.
We were lucky enough to be invited to the launch night, and it was fantastic to see the place alive with energy. Our kids tucked happily into burgers and smoothies while we enjoyed fresh pasta and a couple of local beers — the perfect family evening out. Seeing the venue so full, and the brand we’d worked on woven so naturally into the experience, felt like a really special moment.
Food, drink and live music in North Wales
The first summer more than proved the vision right. Alongside quiz nights, reggae evenings, pop-up supper clubs and acoustic gigs, the line-up of kitchens gave people plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Box Van Burgers served up smashed Welsh beef patties, brioche buns and hand-cut chips.
Swig kept things fresh with smoothies and healthy treats, a hit with families and day-trippers.
Flame & Grain fired wood-oven pizzas, slow-fermented and full of local flavour.
Parmesan dished up pasta favourites that became an instant go-to.
The Coconut Kitchen brought a taste of Thailand with flavour-packed curries and stir fries.
Elemental Eats introduced a Welsh–Mexican fusion menu inspired by the seasons and sourced from local produce.
And it wasn’t just about the food. The bar quickly became a talking point too, with fourteen taps pouring a long list of local craft beers and ciders from the likes of Conwy Brewery, Purple Moose, Polly’s Brew Co, Geipel Brewing, Tiny Rebel and Snowdon Craft Beer & Cider. Welsh spirits also took centre stage, with Aber Falls and Penderyn Distillery behind the bar, while Poblado Coffi kept the coffee flowing. Add in cocktails, live music sets from artists such as Chuts, Sarah Price, Will Rendell, Alis Glyn and even yoga-and-brunch mornings, and the summer programme captured exactly what Y Maes set out to be — a place where food, drink, music and community come together.
For locals and visitors alike, Y Maes quickly became one of the must-visit places to eat in North Wales — somewhere you could discover independent kitchens, enjoy live music and feel the heartbeat of Criccieth.
Expanding the Y Maes website
As the venue grew, so did the need for a bigger digital presence. The one-page site we’d launched pre-opening was expanded over the summer into a full website: telling the story of the building, showcasing vendors, sharing event listings and making it easier for people to plan a visit or book the space for private events.
Film that captures the atmosphere
To help show what Y Maes feels like in full swing, Let Joe Film supplied some excellent video footage. From food being served to the buzz of summer nights, the clips capture the spirit of the venue perfectly — and now feature proudly across the website. You can see more of Joe’s work on Instagram and Facebook.
The expanded site now reflects what Y Maes has become — not just a food hub, but a cultural space in Gwynedd with events, community nights and private hire all under one roof.
The future of Y Maes in Criccieth
From smithy to slate workshop to craft shop, from empty eyesore to vibrant hub — the story of Y Maes is one of regeneration done right. For us, it’s been a privilege to be involved from brand sketches in 2024 through to the launch and beyond. The success belongs to Lloyd, his team, and the Criccieth community, but we’re proud to have helped shape the identity and bring it online. And if the first summer was anything to go by, this is just the beginning.
If you’d like to see what’s happening next at Y Maes, head over to their website for the latest menus, vendors and events: ymaes.cymru. Also follow them on Instagram and Facebook and join their online community. From weekly quiz nights and live music to private hire for parties, weddings or corporate gatherings, Y Maes is fast becoming one of the most exciting food and culture venues in North Wales.
Creative branding and web design in North Wales
At Yoke Creative Agency, we’re proud to work with ambitious places like Y Maes — helping to create brands, websites and digital platforms that celebrate community and connect with audiences. If you’d like to turn your idea into something people can see, share and experience, we’d love to chat.
