If you think that Welsh food is all bara brith and leeks, then you’ve not visited us in a while. Whilst we love our traditional food, Pembrokeshire offers a myriad of fresh, vibrant produce, some of which might surprise you! If you’re into your food, then why not try some of our favourite foodie activities in Pembrokeshire?
Go traditional
On a chilly day on the St Davids Peninsula, you simply can’t beat a bowl of cawl. Traditionally made with lamb, you may find variations around that are made with ham hock or even veggie! If you’re looking for your first taste of cawl, head to The Refectory at St Davids Cathedral. You’re guaranteed to be left feeling cosy after this hearty Welsh dish.
At Mamgu Welshcakes in Solva, you’ll find our national sweet treat…but not as you know it! They put their own twist on not only welshcakes but bara brith too. Our favourite is the cheese and leek welsh cakes. Yum!
Have a meal out to remember
We’re a green and fertile county bordered by the Irish sea, so most restaurants in Pembrokeshire will offer fresh local ingredients in their dishes. Our favourites have to be St Davids Gin & Kitchen, whose delicious offerings include Pembrokeshire Oysters and St Davids Black Beef steaks.
If you’re a seafood lover, then a trip to the wonderful fish and chip restaurant The Shed in Porthgain is a must. They serve the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat, so fresh that you can watch the boats bring in the next catch into the harbour from your table.
If it’s haute cuisine you’re looking for, then book a table at Coast in Coppet Hall near Saundersfoot. The 2 AA award-winning restaurant has sea views, open-plan dining and an utterly stunning menu. This is a top-class dining experience not to be missed.
Visit a Brewery
No foodie guide would be complete without an accompanying local beverage, and in Pembrokeshire we have many fantastic drinks available to us. If you’re a fan of real ale, then a trip to Bluestone Brewery near Newport is a joy – the onsite taproom is where you can try out the fantastically named ales (Fossil Fuel, Rockhopper and Cave Dweller to name but a few) and if you contact the brewery beforehand, you can meet the brewer to hear about how the ale is made. We bet you’ll be going home with a crate or two of this lovely stuff!
St Davids Old Farmhouse Brewery lies just outside St Davids, and is a true gem that’s going from strength to strength. Their Cwrw Clos Farmhouse Ale recently received a Great Taste award, and 2022 saw a collaboration with Car Y Mor on a Seaweed Lager! We can’t wait to see what these guys get up to next. Stop in to the brewery to meet the team and pick up some fabulous beer.
Forage your own food
We’re not suggesting that you start eating out of hedges. But we are suggesting that you take a foraging class to learn about edible plants and sea vegetables. Coastal Foraging offers foraging tours around the bountiful coast around St Davids, learning about the abundance of food all around us.
Do it Yourself (with some help)
You’ll find plenty of fresh, local fruit and vegetables for sale all around Pembrokeshire – if you’re looking for a farm shop near St Davids, Gate 2 Plate Farmshop is just outside Haverfordwest. Use the kitchen in your beautiful Pembrokeshire cottage to cook up a treat using the abundance of natural ingredients from your surroundings, giving you a true taste of Pembrokeshire.
Any foodie visiting Pembrokeshire must try the fresh seafood coming straight out of the Irish sea. Mrs Will the Fish provides delicious dressed seafood platters ready for you to savour. With fresh spider crab, lobster and other locally caught goodies on offer, you couldn’t get a more authentic taste of this coastal county.
Visit a food festival
If you want maximum food, minimum travelling then why not look out for one of Pembrokeshire’s many food festivals?
Try the Narberth Food Festival, held in September. This beautiful boutique town doesn’t do things by halves, and its fantastic food festival will not disappoint eager foodies wanting to sample Pembrokeshire’s delicacies. There’s food stall galore, top Welsh chefs to meet and plenty of local entertainment. A fantastic festival that’s a must if you’re into food!
June sees the Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival take over Tenby for a weekend. This is an absolute must-do if you’re here! Experience worldwide cuisine crafted using local ingredients served by people who are so passionate about what they do you can’t help but be inspired.
There are plenty of foodie activities to keep everyone entertained all around the county. If you’re looking for foodie treats close to your cottage, check out our Foodie Guide to St Davids!
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