Whether you’re putting on a spread for guests or just fancy some personal indulgence, these mouthwatering local food and drink delicacies from across Wales will make your Christmas celebrations that much more special (and fattening).
ALCOHOL
BUTCH BEER
From Roath’s Glory Stores comes Wales’ first out and proud beer. Endorsed by queer-friendly rugby club the Cardiff Lions, 10% of Butch profits also benefit LGBTQ charities.
Price: £3.50
Info: glory-stores.com
APPLE COUNTY RHUBARB CIDER
The family-run Apple County Cider Co. is on a mission to make Monmouthshire a cider haven, and with flavour combos like this one, they might just do it.
Price: £33 per case
Info: applecoutrycider.co.uk
WELSH WITCH SPICED RUM
Though The Rum Company hail from Tunbridge Wells, this particular lockdown-originating potion takes inspiration from North Walian mythology and oozes bara brith flavour.
Price: £35-£40
Info: therum.company
BARA BRITH GIN
For those with more of a taste for gin than rum, Snowdonia Spirits Company have also found a way to infuse a Welsh staple into drinkable, alcoholic form.
Price: £34.99
Info: snowdoniagin.com
LLANFAIRPWLLGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWLLLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH SOLARIS WINE
Also known as the catchier Llain Gam Solaris, a bottle of the ‘wine with the longest name in the world’ at the Christmas dinner table is a guaranteed conversation starter.
Price: £18
Info: redwharfbayvineyard.co.uk
BREAD, CAKES & SWEETS
MELIN LLYON SIOCLED BARS
With a copper ticket in select bars, Anglesey’s Melin Llyon siocled bars add some Willy Wonka magic to Welsh-made sweets. (Try the exploding one for an extra surprise.)
Price: £3.50
Info: melinllynon.co.uk
WALNUT & STILTON BREAD
Though Market Bakery might be fairly new to the Abergavenny Indoor Market, hearty loaves like this one are definitely making a name for them.
Price: £3.50
Info: marketbakeryabergavenny.co.uk
SHIGAR SALTED WELSH BUTTER
There’s nothing like Christmas to bring out the premium ingredients. Churned in Carmarthenshire, Shigar’s creamy butter is ideal for sprout smothering.
Price: £2
Info: twitter.com/shirgar_
CRÈME BRȖLÉE BROWNIE
Winner of 2016’s The Apprentice, Ridiculously Rich by Alana is “devoted to deliciousness,” and the proof is in the pudding – especially if you’re partial to French dessert favourites.
Price: £17.99 (for nine slices)
Info: ridiculouslyrichbyalana.co.uk
WELSH BREW LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE
Beloved brand Welsh Tea brew more than just leaves – their hot chocolates also go down a treat. Not a bad way to wait for midnight on Christmas Eve.
Price: £4.95
Info: welshbrewtea.co.uk
MEAT, SEAFOOD & CHEESE
CELEBRATION CHEESE CAKE
No, not the kind you’re thinking of: these tiered confections from Caws Teifi are entirely savoury, and a showstopping alternative to cheese boards or puddings.
Price: £110-£390
Info: teificheese.co.uk
BREAKFAST BOX
Purveyors of speciality meat since 1910, Easts Of Brecon can deliver you an upmarket Christmas morning treat for four, including sausage, bacon, eggs and black pudding.
Price: £15.99
Info: eastsofbrecon.co.uk
SELWYN’S LAVERBREAD
Generously described by Richard Burton as “Welsh caviar,” Selwyn’s Bara Lawr (cooked seaweed) also has protected status from the EU as a heritage dish.
Price: £24
Info: selwynsseafoods.com
CHRISTMAS TURKEY
For some, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without one. Preorder yours, whether it’s a whole bird or just a breast roll, from the Davies family at Cuckoo Mill Farm.
Price: on request
Info: welshturkey.co.uk
PATCHWORK FESTIVE PȂTÉ
Established in 80s Denbighshire, Patchwork Foods’ festive range of pâté includes duck liver, stilton and Guinness, and partridge, pear and sloe gin. Vegan options also available.
Price: £4.70-£5.30
Info: patchworkfoods.com
words HANNAH COLLINS
APPLICATIONS for autumn term are now closed: If you’re 18-30 years old, you live in Wales, and you want to get ahead in the creative and cultural industries, register your interest for winter term.
