Interest is growing in Wales as a leading food and drink destination according to Visit Wales, as Cardiff is named one of the top five food and drink scenes in the UK and the number of independent breweries in Wales has doubled over the last five years.

© Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales

Wales has always had a reputation for good, fresh food – from its world-famous lamb and beef to traditional staples such as Welsh cakes and bara brith – but perhaps it hasn’t always been seen as the most exciting food destination. However, things are changing…

The recognition that Cardiff is one of the fastest growing food and drink scenes in the UK, according to research by Eventbrite, shows just how diverse the eating experience has become in Wales’s capital city. There has been an explosion of new restaurant and café openings and this, coupled with an increase in popularity of street food and innovative food events, has helped turn Cardiff into a leading food destination.

The news that the number of independent brewers in Wales has doubled over the past five years is a testament to the success of Welsh beers, both at home and abroad. Figures released by Drinks Wales, which represents independent brewers and cider and wine producers, show that there are now 88 independent brewers in Wales. In addition, 20 of these small Welsh breweries now have their own pubs, which is very positive indeed for the Welsh drinks industry.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism, says: “The growth in popularity of Wales as a food and drink tourist destination couldn’t have come at a better time, as we have recently launched our own food and drink tours. As Wales’s leading inbound tour operator, we are keen to showcase the best food and drink that Wales has to offer.

“Whether it is the chance to try one of the country’s five Michelin starred restaurants, a cookery weekend in the heart of Snowdonia, a luxury wine tour offering a flavour of the exceptional wines produced in Wales, or a trip to a brewery such as the award-winning Monty’s in Powys, we can create a food and drink tour to suit every palate.”