The Times has named this Welsh area as the perfect place for a ‘gourmet mini break'
It's been described as 'the surprising rising star of the Welsh food scene'
Looking for a romantic, wine-filled getaway? Check out Llanerch, the UK's first vineyard hotel, where you can swill wine in a beautiful leafy setting.
(Image: AA Hospitality Awards )
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."
The decor of the pub is rustic and homely without being too fussy
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.'
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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.
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne )
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.
(Image: ALS Photography/Llanerch Vineyard )
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.
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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.
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