07 September 2026
I wasn’t born in Pembrokeshire and in truth, I have only lived here for the past four years - this often means that the way of life and beautiful places in the area are usually still a spectacle to me (whereas they are a normal part of everyday life for other locals.) On top of the long stretches of beaches, coastpaths, countryside and wildlife - one of my favourite things about Pembs is its community. I love the way everyone rallies around each other and helps out. There are local businesses, local farms, local pubs that use locally sourced products and locally-made craft. Everyone here supports local.
So, here are some of my favourite Pembrokeshire products:
Local drink
Starting off with the famous items that most people have heard of, we haveBarti Rum Jonathan Williams, founder of Barti Rum or "the crazy Welsh seaweed man" as James Martin once called him, came up with the perfect recipe for his ideal spiced rum in 2017.
Inspired by traditional Welsh laverbread and the wild seaweed harvested from Pembrokeshire's beaches, Jonathan created the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and Café Mor. Combining his passion for seaweed with the local legend of pirate Barti Ddu and his love of rum, he later went on to create Barti Ddu Rum (infused with wild, hand-picked laver seaweed.)
Barti became the third best-selling spirit in Wales’ largest regional foodservice wholesaler’s portfolio, behind only Gordon’s Gin and Smirnoff Vodka.
As Barti Rum and the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company continue to grow, Jonathan is researching seaweed’s potential for carbon capture, with the aim of making Barti Rum a carbon-negative business.
5th Flock Spirit Co. is based at Nash Mountain in Sardis, near Haverfordwest. The company says they are "a testament to five generations of Welsh farming excellence." Their gin and spiced rum blends heritage with innovation, offering a distinctive take on classic spirits through the infusion of sheep’s milk. With smooth, unique flavours that celebrate the land, livestock and legacy behind the brand, these spirits bring a modern twist to tradition and are stocked at a selection of local pubs.
Haverfordwest also has its own gin distillery, Cinnamon Grove . Here you can do gin tasting experiences. Cinnamon Grove Gin is produced in small batches using carefully selected botanicals and fresh, pure water drawn from a 300-year-old well at the Cinnamon Grove Farm itself. Their range includes Sloe & Vanilla, Cucumber & Mint, Pepper and Orange Gins, alongside premium, pink and orange vodkas, Fruity and Spiced Rums, and the newly launched White Rum. Visitors can sample and purchase the range at their Gin Barn pop-up shop at the distillery, open every Thursday and Friday, while the products are also available through local shops across Pembrokeshire, as well as the company’s online shop, and their wholesaler Blas y Fwyd.
Local food
Founded in 2021,Plumstone Welshcakes (named after the local mountain) began with homemade Welshcakes sold from an honesty box outside the founder’s home. Growing demand from both locals and visitors to Pembrokeshire soon led to the business expanding, and it now works alongside Nolton Cross Farm Shop, offering a delicious and distinctive range of Welshcake flavours.
Plumstone Welshcakes
The business is passionate about raising the profile of Welshcakes beyond Wales and championing them as a much-loved Welsh delicacy worthy of the same recognition as the Cornish pasty. The young founder, Tom Wickens, even won a Rising Star at the 2025 Food and Drink Awards.
Whilst trying to promote the culture behind Welshcakes, Tom has gone forward on this project by adding a modern twist. Every Wednesday he does Wacky Welshcake Wednesday – where he makes Welshcakes of different flavours sometimes as suggested by customers. These wacky flavours are available for a week on his online shop until the next flavour is decided, alongside his usual options.
The VC Gallery is a registered charity based in Haverfordwest, supporting veterans and the wider community through creative art projects. Founded by former Army serviceman Barry John MBE, the gallery believes in art and culture as a way to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life. Its inclusive programmes support veterans, older people, children and anyone seeking connection, creativity and a space to express themselves – another example of how you can't find a community elsewhere that is better than Pembrokeshire's!
The VC Gallery offers a range of creative projects, including photography, painting and spoon-ring making. Its Dig for Victory project also supplies locally grown herbs and vegetables to pubs and restaurants, alongside homemade jams, preserves, chutneys and infused oils.
Local jewellery and art
Fresh West Silver - "Creating original pieces with heart & soul since 2012"
Hannah Robinson makes all of her jewellery by hand in her small home studio in West Wales. She says she uses "sea glass gems recycled by the waves and washed up on our beautiful Pembrokeshire beaches, beautiful coastal shades of vitreous enamels, brass and recycled precious metals."
Her style is considered to be "minimal, contemporary and wearable." She tells customers that her designs and collections change often; "everything is made in small batches and 'slowmade' to the highest standards."
Charlotte is a goldsmith from Pembrokeshire who “finds inspiration in the ancient woodlands, the ocean, and the tales woven into the fabric of Welsh folklore.”
Based in Pembrokeshire,Charlotte Rowena Jewellery creates distinctive pieces through the intricate art of hand-carving wax, drawing inspiration from the organic forms and textures found in nature.
One of her favourite ways of working is to use gemstones that are cast in place within the wax model, and then burnt out leaving an embellished gold treasure: “I carefully select gemstones that complement the rugged and natural aesthetic I strive for in my designs. This casting method not only adds a unique dimension to the jewellery but also enhances the connection between the wearer and the raw beauty of the materials.”
Local authors
Pembrokeshire is home to many talented writers with local bookstores often supporting and holding events like signings for such authors. Grannny Gee writes magical children's stories inspired by local Welsh settings, such as The Fairies of Cleddau Wood. The Fairy on The Floor is the first book in the series. Granny Gee says, "I was inspired to write the Fairies of Cleddau books by my granddaughter whose imagination and love of nature knows no bounds! My wish is that these stories encourage children to develop a love of reading, as well as hopefully making them smile, and maybe spark their own imagination to someday write their own books!" You can catch Granny Gee at local events, book readings, and signings in Pembrokeshire spots like Haverfordwest and Roch Castle. Her books are stocked by independent local shops such as Victoria Bookshop in Haverfordwest.
Bethan Croft
