Food and Drink I-Y Guide, May 2019
Key:
Veggie/Vegan – V, Value for Money – M, Michelin Star/Bib Gourmand – M, High-end – H, Ales/Drinks/Pubs/Bars – A, Cafes – C
International Welsh Rarebit Centre – M
High Street, Brecon
That’s right – a whole place dedicated exclusively to Welsh rarebit. Beautifully converted from an old school, and housing an art/exhibition space, this is renowned in the area as the go-to for both classic and unusual takes on this national signature. Baking fresh bread from their specialised in-house bakery, they also offer cakes, drinks, buns, soup and daily specials.
Info: 01874 636843
James Sommerin – M
The Esplanade, Penarth
High quality food with a view. This Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Welsh-born James Sommerin, is a high-end classic. Situated on The Esplanade in Penarth, looking out on the Severn Estuary, there’s a three-hour, nine-course taster menu, alongside a traditional menu serving high-quality local produce.
Info: www.jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk
Llanerch Vineyard – H/A
Hensol
Llanerch Vineyard is Wales’ answer to the wine valleys of France, boasting a hotel and a bistro. Run as a family business, the Cariad restaurant and bistro is a fine dining experience that celebrates all things British. You can pair your meal with a wine from the vineyard itself and enjoy local produce at its best.
Info: www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk
Marco’s Café – C
Promenade, Barry
Made famous from its periodic sightings on Gavin & Stacey, Marco’s Café has become a Barry Island hotspot for tourists to dine whilst watching over the promenade. This family-owned business has been a highlight of the island for many years, offering up a number of breakfast, brunch and lunch options and service with a smile. If you plan to pop down, don’t forget to snap a selfie with the lifesize poster of the G&S cast.
Info: twitter.com/marcos_cafe_
Milkwood – H
Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff
Moving into the old Cibo unit, where business partners Tom and Gwyn first began cooking together, Milkwood’s petite independent Welsh bistro has nestled itself into the heart of Pontcanna. Championing locally-sourced produce, their minimal menu features lentil samosa, duck breast with pancetta and crab risotto amongst starters and mains. Reservations are definitely advisable.
Info: 029 2023 2226 / www.milkwoodcardiff.com
Mint & Mustard – M/H
Whitchurch Road, Cardiff
Originating in Cardiff in 2006, this delightful taste of southern India embraces its home roots and brings the best version of Indian cuisine to Wales. Whilst encapsulating the essence of Keralan food, Mint & Mustard also lend their expertise to showcase Indian flavours to British diners. There’s plenty of trad-Brit comforters on their specials list – your chicken kormas and tikka masalas – and a range of vegetarian options too.
Info: 029 2062 0333 / www.mintandmustard.com
Mr Villas – M
Bron-Y-Mor, Barry
This nautically-themed restaurant is tailored to its location and cooks up seaside favourite fish and chips alongside a number of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. If that’s too much to handle, there’s a light meal menu offering fresh crab or egg mayonnaise sandwiches, onion tarts and salmon fishcakes – just far enough away from the business of Barry Island to avoid the crowds.
Info: 01446 730662 / www.mrvillasbarry.co.uk
Nata & Co – C/M
Castle Arcade, Cardiff / Clifton Street, Cardiff / Bute Street, Cardiff Bay
Expanding across Cardiff over the last few years, this Portuguese bakery company has found a gap in the Welsh market, bringing Portugal’s trademark delicacies to the capital. Custard tarts, cream doughnuts, coconut cakes, fruit tarts and breads are all baked in traditional Portuguese style. Whether you’re craving a pastel de nata, guardanapo or delicia folhada, there’s a plentiful chance to try something new.
Info: 029 2034 2200 / www.nataandco.co.uk
The Old Post House – C
St.Fagans, Cardiff
This Grade II-listed building, whose previous function has been retained in its name, is nestled in the centre of this historic town. Offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and Sunday dinner, the new touches don’t overshadow its historic nature.
Info: www.oldposthousecardiff.co.uk
Oscars – H
High Street, Cowbridge
A contemporary culinary restaurant in the market town of Cowbridge, Oscars serve up delightful takes on a variety of home comfort classics: chicken Milanese or tomato ragu, say. Their stylishly cosy chic interior provides desirable comfort all wrapped up in an excitingly fresh eatery.
Info: 01446 771984 / www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk/oscars
Parc Pantry – C/M
Malpas Rd, Newport
There is no item on this menu over £6.50, and to pair with the good prices, the food is tasty too. Stacks of pancakes for breakfast (coming in at £5) or a brunch burrito stuffed with bacon, chorizo, peppers, cheese, spicy beans, spinach and chipotle sauce (£4)? The lunch menu sees baguettes at £4 a pop – great value, great food.
Info: www.parcpantry.co.uk
Pear Kitchen – V
High Street, Cowbridge
Want a quick bite to eat without worrying about the menu? Pear Kitchen is a vegan cafe offering light lunches and snacks – its hot dishes include mung bean dahl, scrambled tofu breakfast and sweet potato wraps. The cafe also has cakes and shakes tantalizing enough to draw in non-vegan customers.
Info: 01446 772001
The Plough & Harrow – A
Monknash, Cowbridge
Tucked down a Monknash country lane sits one of the oldest buildings in the area, dating back to at least the early 14th century. This Grade-II listed cottage-esque building serves up some mighty generous pub portions with a selection of real ales to wash down a Sunday lunch and has regular live music, beer festivals and welcomes well behaved dogs.
Info: 01656 890209 / www.ploughandharrow.eu
Pontoon Pwllheli – M/H
Marinaland, Pwllheli
This Mexican-style restaurant, all the way over on the Llyn Peninsul,a has plenty of options on the menu – a dash of Latin colour on the dramatic Welsh coast. The El Crango Burger consists of an Edern steak burger topped with three cheeses, jalapenos, chipotle mayo, apple and chipotle ketchup, pink onions and a flour tortilla, totting up to £7. The portion sizes are also very generous for the price range.
Info: www.pontoonpwllheli.com
The Potted Pig – H/A
High Street, Cardiff
A high-quality restaurant serving up culinary delights in an old bank vault beneath the streets of Cardiff. Despite its rep, you might not know that you can book a table just to enjoy drinks in their gin lounge. With 30 different gins on offer, this place is an underground gem.
Info: www.thepottedpig.com
The Potting Shed Café – C
Insole Court, Fairwater Rd, Cardiff
Tucked away inside the mansion’s grounds of Insole Court lies a cosy café with a name to match its flourishing, garden surroundings. Ensuring to cater for all, many options are strictly ethical, keeping in line with their clean, environmentally-friendly standards that they proudly promote. After moseying around the mansion rooms, The Potting Shed is a visitor’s favourite for relaxing tired legs and washing down a homemade lunch, or freshly baked cake.
Info: 029 2116 7920 / www.insolecourt.org/the-potting-shed
Pysgoty – H
Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth
This seafood restaurant was built on the site of an old public toilet block, positioned between the harbour and the marina, offering great views. Run by a husband and wife team; one a fishmonger and one trained chef, the seafood is of the highest quality.
Info: www.pysgoty.co.uk/
Riverside Market – M
Fitzhamon Embankment; Roath Market, Keppoch St; Rhiwbina Market, Heol Y Felin, all Cardiff
The original Cardiff Farmer’s Market follows the bank of the River Taff and offers up a celebratory selection of the best food and fresh products from local businesses within the surrounding areas of Cardiff. The market is always teeming with fresh meats, coffee, cheeses, crepes, pastries and the finest selection you’ll need for the perfect afternoon. The market moves around the city – you can it in Rhiwbina (Fridays), Roath (Saturdays) and Riverside (Sundays), plus St. Fagans once a month.
Info: 029 2019 0036 / www.riversidemarket.org.uk
R.P. Culley & Co – H
Exchange Hotel, Cardiff Bay
Dating back to 1886, R.P. Culley opened The Exchange Restaurant within the walls of the Bay’s coal-trading centre, The Coal Exchange. Fast forward 131 years to 2017 and the then-derelict Grade II listed building was restored to complement its former glory. R.P. Culley & Co restaurant celebrates the life and legacy of its predecessor and serves diners the same quality expected back in its heyday.
Info: 029 2010 7050 / www.exchangehotelcardiff.co.uk/bar-restaurant
Rum & Fizz – A
Castle Arcade, Cardiff
Offering over 250 different kinds of rum, Rum & Fizz is certainly the place to be for any who likes a taste of sugar cane. The decor alone lives up to the drinks – lively and exciting, like something out of a chic New York film. The venue is a brainchild of the same people behind Gin & Juice and Barker Tea House, both of which are also recommended.
Info: www.rumandfizz.com
The Ship & Castle – A
High Street, Aberystwyth
Real ale pub and classic local, one which offers a great selection of drinks and atmosphere. The pub has been recently refurbished and with dogs welcome and friendly staff, The Ship & Castle is a good bet on a sunny day when you’re in need of some refreshment.
Info: facebook.com/shipandcastleaber
Sosban / The Old Butchers – H/ M
Menai Bridge, Anglesey
This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique culinary journey. At Sosban they are all about savouring the food experience, imploring diners to “forget the menu”. With this level of control taken out of the dining routine, you get what you are given, and the proof is in the pudding.
Info: www.sosbanandtheoldbutchers.com
Sunflower & I – C
Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay
Eclectic, fresh and quirky, Sunflower & I bring a Polish-led menu to the Bay for a lengthy lunch or a quick tea pit stop. The décor is superbly tasteful, betraying the venue’s initial origins as a gift shop (and you can still buy some of the items on display!). The fresh floral scent lingers in the air amongst the lavish and multi-era style setting with occasional musicians, concerts and events being hosted – like something out of Mitteleurope rather than Wales.
Info: 029 2048 4211 / www.sunflowerandi.co.uk
Tintern Old Station Tea Room – C
Tintern, Monmouthshire
This train station-turned-tea room in Tintern is a great place to stop off whilst rambling, cycling or roving around the Wye Valley. This place is all about the cake, with local bakers and hand-finished touches in the tea room.
Info: 01291 689566
TinWorks Brewery – A
Five Roads, Llanelli
In celebrating the town’s heritage, and industrial nature, Llanelli-based microbrewery TinWorks named themselves after the old tinplate works of the area. American-style beers are given a Welsh twist, with flavours including tropical, dark chocolate and coffee, and citrus fruits.
Info: 07595 841958 / www.tinworksbrewery.co.uk
Tiny Rebel – A
Womanby Street, Cardiff; High Street, Newport; Rogerstone Industrial Estate, Newport
Growing exponentially in their eight years to date, Tiny Rebel are at the forefront of Welsh craft brewing. They’ve got a mammoth range of beer to work through at their three bars and to be enjoyed with pizzas, burgers or wings. They also keep a lively range of entertainment, with music, comedy and arcade game nights taking turns in their bars.
Info: 029 2039 9557 / www.tinyrebel.co.uk
The Whitebrook – M
Whitebrook, nr Monmouth
Nestled in the Wye Valley and with Chris Harrod at the helm, The Whitebrook holds local ingredients at a high value: Harrod has teamed up with Henry Ashby, a local forager, to ensure the food is from the local surroundings. The foraged herbs include pennywort, three-cornered garlic, bitter cress, wild onion and hogweed. The restaurant also has accompanying rooms to enjoy the Wye Valley for a weekend.
Info: www.thewhitebrook.co.uk
The Walnut Tree – M
Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny
Famous across the UK, The Walnut Tree has been a stalwart on the foodie scene since the 1960s. Run by Michelin-star chef Shaun Hill, the a la carte and set menus change every day. Hill, in the chef game since the 60s and once a regular customer at The Walnut Tree, ended up taking over in 2008; the restaurant is in gifted hands and the Michelin star only goes to attest to his skill.
Info: www.thewalnuttreeinn.com/
The Wildflower Café, – C
near Upper Killay, Mumbles
Get back to nature and dive into the world of this eco-friendly building, which plays host to a little cafe offering homemade cakes and daily specials, using homegrown herbs from their outdoor nursery. Enjoy locally produced fare at its roots.
Info: facebook.com/pg/swanseasa2
Ynyshir, – M
Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth, Powys
One of few Michelin-starred restaurants across Wales, Ynyshir serves a monumental 20-something courses over a four-hour visit, with head chef Gareth Ward obsessively ensuring the food is at the highest standards – both in flavour and in radical imagination (the philosophy is based around a fusion of Welsh and Japanese flavours, as you do), and lots and lots of fermentation. Burrowed on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, there are a few rooms available for staying (but only for one night, presumably to sleep off the food) in the countryside and soaking up the tranquillity of the area.
Info: 01654 781209 / www.ynyshir.co.uk