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Itinerary:

A Golden Valley Food Safari

Uncover a Host of Agricultural Artisans

With its swathes rolling green hills, smatterings of castle ruins, idyllic villages and sheep as far as the eye can see, an adventure in the Golden Valley or nearby Hay-on-Wye 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.

Big Five Foodie Sightings
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Plate of charcuterie
Charcuterie plate at The Bull's Head, Craswell
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Pub interior

1. The Bull's Head

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, they are all about ingredient-led cooking, with most produce coming from their 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!).

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Cosy outdoor dining

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!).

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Black mountain botanicals drinks

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-come-roastery and uncover the in-depth workings of both businesses. Then head to the tasting room to try their creations for yourself. 

Get really hands-on with a gin-making experience. Guided by a master distiller, you'll craft your own bottle of the good stuff to take home. A truly unique memento. 

Accommodation on site ranges from B&B rooms to yurts, so a comfortable bed won’t be far away.

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Lemon zest being grated over food
Chapters Restaurant, Hay-on-Wye © Ashleigh Cadet

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 just a few miles away.

Their on-site bottle shop showcases a curated selection of low-intervention wines, beers and ciders all from hyper-local suppliers and available to buy (whether you’re dining or not). It’s a true foodie delight.

 

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the Fair Oak Cider team pose with workhorse Sam
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Bottle of Cider with mugs

5. Fair Oak Cider

As the only horse-drawn commercial cider producer in the country, the mill at Fair Oak offers a fascinating insight into an age-old production method, thanks to Tommy the Gypsy Cob horse turning the millstone over the cobbles. Give them a call to arrange a visit (it’s by appointment only) and learn all about their unique production process from heritage apple varieties, through to fermentation and bottling. If you like your cider pure – just apples (and a healthy serving of history) – then this place is well worth a visit.

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Your Extended 'Field Guide'

FARM SHOPS, DELIS & CAFES

Oakchurch Farm Shop, Golden Valley

Best known for: It’s standout butchery counter

Hopes of Longtown, Golden Valley

Best known for: The array of produce on offer, this is no ordinary village shop

Rowlestone Farmhouse Ice Cream, Golden Valley

Best known for: Their ‘field to freezer, in a day' ice cream production method

PUBS & RESTAURANTS

The Pandy Inn, Dorstone Nr. Hay-On-Wye

Best known for: It’s warm welcome and cosy, country pub vibe


 

CIDER, WINE & BEYOND

Artistraw Cider, Nr. Hay-On-Wye 

Best known for: Wild, fermented natural flavours (& beautiful label artwork!)

Ty Gywn Cider, Pontrilas, the Golden Valley

Best known for: A strictly local-varieties-only policy to their apples and pears

Orgasmic Cider Company, Nr. Hay-On-Wye 

Best known for: Their try before you buy ethos  

EXPERIENCES 

Drovers Rest Farm, Nr. Hay-On-Wye 

Best known for:  Spectacular Braai feast evenings 

More Foodie Safaris