Southeast Asian Restaurant to Open its Biggest Site in Wales
Southeast Asian restaurant Banana Tree is set to open its first Welsh site.
Opening on Mill Lane at St David's Cardiff on June 2, the restaurant and bar will offer launch celebrations including free Katsu for the first 2,000 bookings. The Banana Tree Tuk Tuk will also be touring Cardiff from June 5 to 7, giving away free gifts.
Tom Patrick, Banana Tree's Marketing Director, said:
'We couldn't be more excited to open in Cardiff. It's our very first site in Wales and our biggest restaurant to date right in the heart of one of the UK's most exciting food destinations. To celebrate, we're going big. That means 2,000 free Katsu curries, cocktails on tap, and our signature Tuk Tuk roaming the streets.'
Helen Morgan, Centre Director of St David's Cardiff, added:
'Banana Tree is set to offer a unique dining experience to its guests, packed with interesting and exciting flavours. The new restaurant is an excellent addition to our brands here at St David's, and one we know that Cardiff foodies will enjoy.'
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South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Newport's fish and chips among most expensive in Wales
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Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Wales Online
Scenic trails in Wales with lush food stops that are worth the detour
Scenic trails in Wales with lush food stops that are worth the detour Wales is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, from the coast to the mountains, and one of the best ways to experience them is by walking some of the most beautiful routes, then dropping in for something to eat after your stroll If you need a caffeine kick to start your walk or fancy a proper pub lunch after your ramble, many Welsh walks feature charming pit stops. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the most delightful ways to explore the diverse landscapes of Wales is by embarking on some of its beautiful, well-trodden paths, city strolls and family-friendly trails. Wales has a vast array of walks that cater to walkers of all skill levels. From day-long hikes to picturesque parklands, marina strolls and forest trails, we've got it all. If you need a caffeine kick to start your walk or fancy a proper pub lunch after your ramble, many Welsh walks feature charming pit stops where you can indulge in hot beverages, cakes, pastries, sandwiches and more. Here are our top picks for Welsh walks with the best pit stops. Kenfig Nature Reserve and Rest Bay - Rest Bay Cafe The view from the Rest Bay Café Bar is fabulous (Image: Portia Jones ) The lovely three-mile coastal walk between Kenfig Nature Reserve and Rest Bay passes shipwrecks, rare orchids, and some of northern Europe's highest dunes. It's a linear walk that ends with a cafe stop at the Rest Bay Cafe, where you can have a brew with a view or a cheeky glass of wine overlooking the sea. Article continues below Follow the shoreline from Kenfig Nature Reserve, passing rocky bays and a golf course until you reach surfing hotspot Rest Bay. Here, you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar situated in a commanding position overlooking the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew or a wine and watch the waves roll in. Hungry? Breakfast is served until 11:30 and includes' Eggs Surfer'—poached eggs, granary toast, guacamole and salsa, pancake stacks, and granola bowls. For lunch, there are sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. At this point, you can continue onwards to Porthcawl town centre or meander back to Kenfig Nature Reserve the same way you came, making the walk around six miles in total. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Mumbles to Langland and Caswell Bay Walk - Lighthouse Bar and Kitchen View of the lighthouse (Image: The Secret Group ) For a scenic coastal walk, try the coast path route from Mumbles to Caswell Bay on the southeast of the Gower Peninsula. This six-mile-long seaside walk takes you from the Mumbles to the lovely Caswell Bay on the south east of the Gower Peninsula. The loop route runs along the undulating coastal path, passing the picturesque Limeslade Beach and Langland Bay en route, and returns to the start via Bishop's Wood. It's a moderate walk with some clifftop inclines, and it takes an average of two and a half hours to complete if you are stomping along without stopping for photos or for a brew and a sandwich. If you're following the route on hiking app All Trails, it starts from the information point near Oystermouth Castle in the swish coastal hub of Mumbles. With homemade ice cream, a Victorian-era pier and rocky bays, this small village was named one of the best places to live by the sea in the UK for 2024 by the Sunday Times. For a scenic coastal walk, try the coast path route from Mumbles to Caswell Bay on the southeast of the Gower Peninsula. (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Keep going, and you'll soon reach Bracelet Bay, a sandy, shingly bay surrounded by impressive cliffs. 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After your coastal trek, you can also enjoy coffee at the Caswell Surfside Cafe, featuring prime views of the expansive golden beach and the sea. Llansteffan Circular walk - Inn at the Sticks If you visit during the offseason or early in the morning, you'll often have this blustery shoreline to yourself (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the best ways to take in the glorious sea views in Llansteffan is by going on a bracing coastal walk. There are circular walks available, and you can also join the long-distance Wales Coast Path for a longer trek along the Welsh coast. The Llansteffan circular walk takes you from Llansteffan along the mouth of the Tywi River as it opens into Carmarthen Bay. It's a three-mile trek that is suitable for most walkers. From the Llansteffan car park, the Wales Coast Path follows the sandy shoreline, with the towers of the ruined Llansteffan Castle visible as you traverse the path. You'll soon reach Scott's Bay, where a 19th-century villa sits close to the sand. After your walk, be sure to stop by Inn At The Sticks in Llansteffan village for a well-deserved lunch. Located in the heart of the village, the 18th-century pub oozes warmth and character in every cosy corner. Here, you'll find 'coaching inn chic' with wooden beams, exposed brick, and warm lighting, where dogs are welcome. The Llansteffan Landmark has been a pub since 1809, then known as the Union Hall Inn, and has been a hotel since 1881. It's now run by partners Teej and Tracey and was refurbished in June 2023, with a strong emphasis on retaining the pub's charm and character across the restaurant and snug rooms upstairs. With an ever changing menu, Inn at the Sticks focuses on Welsh produce (Image: Will Barker ) Food is a real highlight here, with the kitchen headed up by pub co-founder Teej. Expect small plates of the finest Welsh produce with zingy international twists and knowledgeable staff who know their way around a wine list. The pub's commitment to local produce means the menu changes seasonally, always offering something new and delicious. Think Cockle popcorn, Atlantic Edge oysters, roasted carrots on whipped feta, Asian sticky Pork, and Welsh beef and perl las pie. With perfectly plated dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it's easy to see why it was named Wales' winner in The Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurants 2024 and scooped the South West Gastro Pub of the Year at the recent Food Awards Wales. Caerphilly Mountain Loop Walk - Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar A well-deserved bacon butty from Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar (Image: Portia Jones ) Despite its name, Caerphilly Mountain offers an easy hike for those looking to stretch their legs for an hour or so, making it suitable for older children. There are numerous mapped walks and trails, with many people bringing their dogs along to enjoy the exercise. Don't forget to snap a summit selfie at the trig point for a scenic shot. One of the highlights of this hill walk is the enormous bacon baps at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, conveniently located in the free Caerphilly Mountain car park. Fuel up for your mountain walk with a delicious bacon roll smothered in sauce and a hot cup of coffee. Chepstow to Tintern Abbey - The Filling Station Cafe The Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (Image: Portia Jones ) The Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's an ideal location for hill and river walks that highlight the UK's stunning rural landscapes. Looking for a scenic stroll with a great pit stop? Consider stomping along the Wye Valley Walk, a long-distance national trail that follows the River Wye's path. You can select various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes, or choose a full walking holiday and complete the entire route. One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the section from Chepstow to Tintern Abbey. This picturesque, five-mile walk takes you up ancient stone steps and through enchanting forest paths. There are numerous photo opportunities and picnic spots along the way, as well as viewing points where you can admire the meandering River Wye. Upon reaching Tintern, stop by The Filling Station Cafe for freshly brewed coffee, teas, cakes and light meals and rest your weary legs. Penarth to Sully walk - The Captain's Wife Make sure to bag a table in the outdoor area to watch the sun go down over Sully. (Image: Portia Jones ) This five-mile linear coastal route starts from Penarth's Victorian pier and follows the coast to Lavernock Point. Along the way, you'll encounter several historic sites, including an anti-aircraft battery, prehistoric dinosaur footprints and Sully Island, once home to daring smugglers. At the end of your stroll, reward yourself with a proper pub lunch at the Captain's Wife. This popular coastal pub was originally known as Sully House, a property once owned by a captain and steeped in local folklore. The most prevalent tale is that when the captain's wife passed away, her body was kept in a box that was mistaken for treasure and subsequently stolen. Be sure to secure a table in the outdoor area to witness the sunset over Sully. Watkin Path Yr Wyddfa - Caffi Gwynant The Watkin Path is considered the most challenging of the six 'classic' routes to the peak and has stunning scenery along its course, including waterfalls with crystal-clear plunge pools. (Image: Portia Jones ) Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), standing tall at 1,085 metres [3,560 ft] above sea level, is the highest mountain in Wales and towers over Llanberis. There are six primary paths leading to the summit of Snowdon, namely the Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners' Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path, and the Snowdon Ranger Path. The Watkin Path is considered the most challenging of the six 'classic' routes to the peak and has stunning scenery along its course, including waterfalls with crystal-clear plunge pools. In milder weather, these pools are perfect for a swim, provided you've packed your outdoor swimming gear and some warm layers to wear. Located near the start of the Watkin Path is Caffi Gwynant, a perfect spot for a drink, snack, breakfast or sandwich before or after your trek to the summit of Snowdon. Castell Coch and Fforest Fawr - Forest Tea Rooms After exploring the woodlands, head to Castell Coch (Image: Portia Jones ) The dragon trail around Fforest Fawr, situated behind the enchanting Castell Coch, is a perfect choice for a lush nature walk with an artistic twist. This forest route is adorned with intriguing wood carvings to discover and abundant wildlife to observe. The mile-long walking route is ideal for children, offering stunning views over nearby Craig yr Allt and the Garth. Don't miss a visit to the fairytale-like Castell Coch. Conveniently, facilities such as toilets, food and refreshments are available at the Forest Tea Rooms in Tongwynlais, accessible from the forest trail. Here, you can enjoy lunch in a charming, leafy cafe nestled in the woods. This family-run business, set in a beautiful forest environment, even boasts the occasional peacock wandering about. Barry to Porthkerry Park - Boofys Barry Island is worth exploring A delightful coastal walk from Barry to Porthkerry Park is another option. The journey, which is part of the Wales Coast Path, offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel and spans approximately three miles. You can start your walk at Barry Island, accessible by train or bus. This route features a pebble beach and a clifftop traverse, offering views of the Bristol Channel, known for having the world's second-highest tidal range, between 12 and 14 metres. Along the way, you'll pass the ruins of a Roman building and another pebble beach as you follow the promenade. There are numerous cafes and ice cream shops along the route for refreshments. The walk concludes in the beautiful Porthkerry Country Park, where you can photograph the iconic viaduct that dominates the park. If you choose to do this walk in reverse, be sure to visit Grab Lush Fish and Chips, a chip shop with a connection to the beloved sitcom series Gavin and Stacey. Join the long queue for Boofy's Chip Shop, Nessa's favourite chippy, where you can get a Smithy special, three battered sausages and chips. What a splendid end to your coastal jaunt. Cardiff Bay Trail - Coffi Co This lovely walk goes around Penarth Marina, then over the River Ely, past the international pool and across the River Taff to Cardiff Bay (Image: Portia Jones ) A great city and waterside trail is the Cardiff Bay Trail, with Coffi Co being a notable stop. A simple, mostly traffic-free, circular trail of just over six miles takes you around Cardiff Bay and over to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin. To complete this easy and picturesque loop walk, be sure to follow the 'Cardiff Bay trail' signs. This picturesque and relatively level trail is designed for walkers and cyclists, providing a perfect opportunity for people to explore the waterfront in a low-impact manner. Parts of it are also suitable for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. As you journey along the trail, you'll encounter some of Cardiff's historic and modern landmarks, including the Norwegian Church, Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead building. There are ample spots to pause for refreshments, with the vibrant waterfront area boasting a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, including Coffi Co, which is guaranteed to give you a boost. Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail - Hafod Hotel After your hike, why not have lunch in the Hafod Hotel? (Image: Portia Jones ) The Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail is situated in the mystical Devil's Bridge area in Ceredigion. This circular trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, depending on your family's walking speed. Entry is through a coin-operated turnstile, allowing you to spend as much time as you wish exploring the falls with your children. However, the circular route is a challenging trek, featuring steep trails, steps and slippery surfaces, so it's more suited to families with older children who enjoy a nature hike. There's an alternative, 'Three Bridges and Punchbowl Trail' that takes around 10 minutes. It's an easier trail to manage if you have young children and dogs that can't manage big treks. After the walk, head over to the Hafod Hotel, located opposite the Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail, for a lovely lunch in a hip setting. The food here features local produce and seasonal flavours, and their Devil's Beef Burger is highly recommended. Stackpole to Barafundle Bay walk - Stackpole Inn The Stackpole Inn, situated in Stackpole near the highly rated Barafundle Bay, recently ranked among the world's best beaches, is a fantastic spot for lunch. (Image: The Stackpole Inn ) Pembrokeshire is home to numerous picturesque walks, one of the most popular being the Stackpole to Barafundle Bay trail. Starting at the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay, south of Pembroke (with a £5 all-day parking fee), you can join the Wales Coast Path. The trail takes you along craggy clifftops before descending into Barafundle Bay, consistently voted as one of Wales' most stunning beaches. The Stackpole Inn, situated in Stackpole near the highly rated Barafundle Bay, recently ranked among the world's best beaches, is a fantastic spot for lunch. The inn's restaurant has won many awards, and its bar has a fine selection of ales and ciders. It might even be worth booking a room for the night if you want to extend your visit. Moel Siabod - Olif The view from Capel Curig (Image: Flickr/Byn Jones ) Capel Curig offers a variety of walks, ranging in length and difficulty. A popular choice among hikers is the climb to Moel Siabod, situated south of the village. This mountain has an impressive peak of 872m, making it the tallest in the Moelwynion range. The summit offers breathtaking views of Snowdonia, Glyderrau, and the Carneddau ranges on a clear day. Before or after embarking on your Eryri hike, you could drop in on one of the many restaurants in Betws-y-Coed, including Olif, which has the highest rating on Tripadvisor and serves Spanish tapas and traditional Welsh dishes as small plates. Article continues below
ITV News
9 hours ago
- ITV News
Eluned Morgan backs UK Government plans to increase defence spending
The UK Government says its Strategic Defence Review will boost jobs and see increased investment in Wales. UK Defence Secretary John Healey has been setting out how Britain's armed forces will change in coming years. He has committed to increasing spending and boosting the number of personnel. The First Minister has welcomed the review. Eluned Morgan said: 'Wales has a strong tradition of people serving in our Armed Forces, both regular and reserves. I look forward to seeing the full implications and impact for Wales, but I welcome the UK Government's commitment to increase investment in our defences, so that our armed forces are supported with the best technology and equipment.' In terms of the presence of the armed forces here and the contribution defence makes to our economy, both are only likely to increase as spending overall is increased. That is in contrast to earlier defence reviews which have cut troop numbers, merged battalions and closed bases. However, the Defence Secretary has acknowledged that there will not be an immediate increase in numbers but that it will take several years to recruit more troops. But there will not be a reduction and an announcement to invest £100m to upgrade the 800 homes here in Wales for forces families signals that intention. Currently there are approximately 3,000 military and civilian personnel based here. The largest presence is the Army, with its Welsh headquarters in Brecon, but there are around 60 Ministry of Defence establishments and bases, here including reservist centres and training facilities as well as well-known sites such as RAF Valley, MOD St Athan and HMS Cambria. SAS selection takes place here in Wales too. However, it is not just those directly serving in or employed by the Armed Forces. The UK Government says that over 160 defence firms are active here, employing more than 20,000 people. If defence spending is going to increase first to 2.5% of GDP and then to 3%, some of that spending will be invested in Welsh firms. As things stand, the MOD spends around £910m in Wales.
