

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.



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!).

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-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.

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.


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.

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
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