Agricultural Artisans Uncovered
A Golden Valley Food Safari
With its swathes of dramatically rolling green hills, smatterings of castle ruins, and sheep as far as the eye can see, a trip to the Golden Valley can transport you to what feels like a bygone era. The food and drink on offer, however, is very much at the cutting edge of this century and even includes a Michelin Green Starred restaurant.
Your "Big Five" Foodie Sightings
1. The Bull's Head, Craswall
This unassuming ancient drovers inn oozes low-key charm (they even have wine on tap!). Set against the backdrop of the strikingly rugged Black Mountains, it's all about ingredient-led cooking, with most produce coming from its own farm. Down in the meadow behind the pub are a series of beautifully curated cabins, perfect for resting your head after a good feed. You can also take a foray into foraging with a day course by Forage Fine Foods. You’ll wander the abundant hedgerows and woodlands at nearby Chapel House Farm to gather edible wild food and turn it into a feast (expect a seasonal cocktail too!).
2. Under the Nut Tree
With the motto, ‘long, slow & smoky’, this place isn’t a restaurant, it’s an experience. Their speciality is cooking large cuts of locally sourced prime meat over fire on a seriously impressive and elaborate series of grills and BBQs. When the weather plays ball, you’ll be seated al fresco under a beautiful hazel tree, otherwise you can get cosy in the barn. A real hidden gem of a spot, it’s a set menu format and BYO booze (always fun!).
3. Black Mountains Botanicals and Roastery
Ever wondered what goes into crafting award-winning gin and perfectly roasted coffee? Take a tour behind the scenes at this unique distillery and roastery and uncover the in-depth workings of both, then head to the tasting room to try their creations for yourself. Or for a more hands-on experience, opt for a gin-making session where you'll craft your own bottle, guided by their master distiller and have a truly unique memento. With accommodation ranging from B&B rooms to yurts on-site, a comfortable bed won’t be far away.
4. Chapters Restaurant
Awarded a green Michelin star for four consecutive years, Chapters Restaurant in the border town of Hay-on-Wye is at the forefront of sustainable practices in hospitality. This commitment is reflected in their seasonally evolving set menu – delicious dishes designed with minimal food waste – where the vast majority of produce is grown at their restaurant garden a few miles away. Further showcasing this ethos is an excellently curated selection of low-intervention wines, beers, and ciders from hyper-local suppliers, all available to buy at the on-site bottle shop. A true foodie delight.
5. Fair Oak Cider
As the only horse-drawn commercial cider producer in the country, the mill at Fair Oak offers a truly fascinating insight into age-old production methods that still result in award-winning taste today. Open by appointment only (give them a call to arrange a visit), explore this authentic 'orchard-to-bottle' approach. You'll learn all about the heritage apple varieties they use and witness how hands-on the process is – from shaking apples off the trees in the autumn, to Tommy the Gypsy Cob horse turning the millstone over the cobbles, right through to fermentation and bottling by summer. If you like your cider pure – just apples (and a healthy serving of history) – then this place is well worth a visit.
Beyond Base Camp
If you're tempted to take an extended stay, Rowlestone Farmhouse Ice Cream is excellent. On Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer, you can get a glimpse into the production parlour to see where the sweet magic happens – the adventure play area is also great for little explorers.
If you're camping or self-catering, head to Hopes of Longtown to stock up on supplies. This is no average village shop; expect local charcuterie, beer brewed mere miles away and world-class cheese from the wonderful Neal's Yard Creamery just down the road.
It's also always worth keeping an eye on the events calendar at Drovers Rest Farm; their South African-inspired braai nights and Sunday lunches are legendary.
Discover places to stay in The Golden Valley here
More Foodie Safaris
The Heartlands of Cider Country
This quaint market town of Ross-on-Wye is perched on a hill above the banks of the river Wye and serves
A Taste of Tradition
Surrounded by picturesque countryside and quaint black and white villages lies the charmingly down-to-earth and historic market town of Leominster
