Join the legions of food and drink aficionados
who know that Wales is home to some exciting and innovative
produce. From salt marsh lamb to pickled samphire and tasty welsh
cakes to honey ice cream, there is always something to tickle your
taste buds. We love sharing these delights and you can find many
local delicacies all along the Coast Path or at one of the many
local food festivals that take place throughout the year.
North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary
A focal point for some of the best fresh meat and sausage that
North Wales can produce is the multi award-winning Edwards of Conwy, a
traditional butchers.
Llandudno Smokery produces a range of smoked foods, fish,
shellfish, poultry and game. The hugely popular Conwy Feast every October
attracts celebrity chefs.
Isle of Anglesey
Ye Olde Bulls Head at Beaumaris,
on the Isle of Anglesey, is an historic inn which strongly features
locally-sourced produce such as salt marsh lamb, Welsh Black beef
and seafood. For more delicious fresh seafood try The Lobster
Pot, almost on the beach at Church Bay, and The Ship Inn at Red
Wharf Bay. Or come to the island in October and sample delicious
oysters at the famous festival.
Menai, Llŷn & Meirionnydd
Gwynedd
is surrounded by sea, and this is reflected in the abundant fish
and shellfish it produces, and in the flavour of its salt marsh
lamb from the Mawddach, Dwyryd and Glaslyn estuaries. Menai
oysters and mussels are in demand, as are Aberdaron crab and a
variety of fresh fish. The Llŷn Peninsula is also noted for
seafood.
Ceredigion
Sample award-winning ice cream at Llangrannog, or Aberaeron’s
famous honey ice cream.
Llywnhelyg Farm Shop at Sarnau is a treasure trove of Welsh food
and drink. Ceredigion celebrates local foods with the
Cardigan Bay Seafood
Festival,
Aberystwyth Food Festival in September and December, and
regular farmers’ markets in this seaside town. Visit the Ship Inn at Tresaith – as near
as a pub can get to the sea without getting wet!
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire
is a natural larder. Beef and lamb, fresh vegetables and soft
fruit, and award-winning dairy products are showcased at farmers’
markets and food fairs. Visit during Fish Week
at the end of June/early July for a true taste of the sea in the
event that has become a staple part of the Pembrokeshire
calendar.
Carmarthenshire
Dylan Thomas’s Laugharne, and Llansteffan, are among some of the
best places to dine in Carmarthenshire,
while at Ferryside, Kidwelly and the Millennium Coastal Park at
Llanelli showcase local fish and lamb.
Gower & Swansea Bay
Swansea, Mumbles and
the Gower produce a miscellany of good things, including salt marsh
lamb, Welsh Black beef, laverbread, fresh fish and shellfish – such
as hand-gathered cockles. Why not seek out some pickled samphire –
an award winning dish.
South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary
The
Vale of Glamorgan celebrates local food and drink in its inns,
traditional country pubs and restaurants. Many are dotted
along the Heritage Coast at places like Llantwit Major, Aberthaw
and Southerndown, while in a heritage building at the end of the
Cardiff Bay Barrage at Penarth, El Puerto offers a
wide range of meat and fish with a European influence.
Cardiff Bay has a cosmopolitan array of places to eat and drink,
notably Mimosa Kitchen &
Bar, and ffresh at the Wales
Millennium Centre. Fabulous Welshcakes in
Mermaid Quay lives up to its name with these much loved Welsh
delicacies.
Chepstow
has a number of award-winning local producers, such as Claire’s
Kitchen (preserves), Parva Farm Vineyard (wine), Madgett’s Farm,
Antoinette’s Bakery, Brookes Dairy and Newhall Farm Shop and
Chepstow Cupcake Company. Close to the coastal path in
Newport, the Chandlery Restaurant and the Waterloo Hotel &
Bistro showcase local ingredients.