The times has named this welsh area the perfect place for a ‘gourmet mini break’

IT'S BEEN DESCRIBED AS 'THE SURPRISING RISING STAR OF THE WELSH FOOD SCENE' 16:43, 21 May 2025 The Vale of Glamorgan is probably one of the most crowd-pleasing spots in Wales

when it comes to easy walking options, activities and glorious views, with everything from stunning seaside's to open countryside and within easy reach of cities, it ticks all the right

boxes. But it’s also recently been getting some love for its foodie offerings. According to The Times, the Vale is emerging as “the surprising rising star of the Welsh food scene”, making

it an ideal spot for a “gourmet mini break.” The paper has praised the region’s growing number of award-winning restaurants and artisan producers in an article written by journalist Sarah

Baxter. _FOR THE LATEST RESTAURANT NEWS AND REVIEWS, SIGN UP TO __OUR FOOD AND DRINK NEWSLETTER HERE_ The Hare & Hounds in Aberthin is highlighted as a standout with The Times noting

that the “’community soul has been retained under its present owner." Sarah describes dishes such as beef shin pappardelle with sourdough crumb and confit pork belly, and says the

three-course evening menu offers “exceptional value at £30." It's also been a long time holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which recognises “establishments that serve good food at

moderate prices.” Also mentioned is Home in Penarth which won a Michelin star in 2022 just six months after opening and is famous for its immersive, intimate dining experience where diners

have to ring a doorbell to enter the venue, and nearby The Touring Club diners can expect “on-trend small plates” including “a mean Welsh rarebit dripping with beery cheese”. You may have

noticed that Penarth has been having a moment on the foodie front, with the popular new restaurant changing up the feel of the high street, Hickmans Bar and Restaurant, opening last year and

the brand new Goose on the Loose also taking over The Deck, on the marina. Later in the piece, Sarah encourages food lovers to stay at Llanerch Vineyard in Hensol which is the UK’s first

vineyard hotel, and enjoy tastings from its cellar. Llanerch, which is surprisingly only a 20-minute drive from Cardiff city centre was named as Britain's most beautiful vineyard out of

268 locations throughout the UK in 2022, and if you've ever visited or seen photos it's easy to see why. With the Welsh rolling hills providing an incredible backdrop, the scenery

is immaculate. On site, there's also a rooftop terrace and a stunning permanent wine tasting lodge (you can read more on that here), which features some of Llanerch's own

award-winning Cariad wines. From vineyards and cheese shops to sea swims and pastry stops, it's unsurprising that The Times is the latest to recognise the region where top-quality food

meets down-to-earth charm - and while we might be a tiny bit biased we couldn't agree more that the area is definitely one of a kind. Article continues below Describing the Vale, Sarah

noted: is “a fertile, flourishing foodie destination, yes, but one with its feet still on the ground.” So if you’re looking for a short trip to indulge in the best of the best of food and

drink, you definitely don’t need to travel too far, as if you're based in south Wales (or further out) it might be the perfect time to explore more of what's right on your

doorstep.