03 September 2024
Ask a Welsh person which food best encapsulates the taste of their country and you’re likely to receive an impressive array of answers. For traditionalists, it’ll likely be roast lamb; veggies, on the other hand, might opt for Caerphilly cheese; while those with a more adventurous palate could make a case for the seaweed-based delicacy, laverbread. In fact, Wales has 24 products with protected ‘geographical indication’ status, produce that has the distinctive flavour of Wales – whether on their own or as ingredients in some iconic Welsh dishes, and 3 of which come from Pembrokeshire. This protection, which ensures the high quality of the produce is recognised and, in many instances, also helps to protect the traditional practices involved in creating them.
Pembrokeshire Earlies (PGI)
It’s the unique geography of the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, surrounded by the sea on three sides, that allows Pembrokeshire Earlies to be grown, well… early. The sea, warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream, keeps this rocky segment of Wales nice and toasty, staving off frost and aiding growing conditions in the region's already rich red sandstone soil. Having been harvested (often by hand) at a young age, Pembrokeshire Earlies are beloved for their soft skin and strong earthy, nutty flavour.
Where to try it: During the season (roughly May to August), you’ll find Pembrokeshire Earlies featuring on the menus of fine-dining restaurants and local pubs alike around Pembrokeshire.
Pembrokeshire Native Oysters (PGI) and Rock Oysters (PGI)
Just like seaweed, oysters have been foraged by locals in Wales’ coastal communities since medieval times, and later formed a cornerstone of the West Wales fishing industry in the 19th century, when 9 million Welsh oysters were said to have been exported annually around the UK and beyond. These days, oyster farmers in Pembrokeshire take a far more sustainable approach to their practice, growing batches of oysters in specialised netted-platforms in the Daugleddau Estuary, where the mineral-rich Atlantic Ocean mixes with the nutrient-filled river water that's rolled down from the Preseli Mountains. It’s this combination of factors that gives the oysters their clean, sweet, and sometimes slightly citrusy, flavour. Though grown in the same estuary, both Pembrokeshire Native Oysters and Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters have their own PGI status. The former are rarer, with a round, flat shape, while rock oysters have a teardrop-shaped shell – both, however, will leave an equally strong impression on diners with a soft spot for shellfish.
Where to try them: For those heading to Pembrokeshire hoping to sample the regional speciality: the world is their oyster – the delicacy lines the menu of a dozen or so seafood restaurants in the region including The Stone Crab in Saundersfoot.
There are farmers or produce markets at both indoor and outdoor locations all across the county, with a great range of local food and drink.
You will find the best quality home reared meats and poultry, fish and dressed crab, local cheese and honey, artisan bread, craft beers, fruit and vegetables in season, as well a wonderful range of baked goods and cakes, preserves, chutneys, vegan, vegetarian and organic options. The choice will vary from market to market.
While shopping look out for the Pembrokeshire Produce Mark. The mark shows that local produce is grown/produced in Pembrokeshire.
It doesn’t just apply to produce, if you see the mark displayed in a hospitality establishment, it shows that local produce is used within the menu. Retail outlets displaying the Produce Mark sell local products/crafts within their shop.
To find genuine Pembrokeshire produce browse the comprehensive list of Pembrokeshire Produce Mark holders.
Pembrokeshire Farmers Markets
Farmers markets enable producers to sell directly to you. They’ll be more than happy to tell you all about the products they have for sale. It really is a great way to reconnect with the farming community, while at the same time promoting a more sustainable society and reducing food miles.
The main county town of Haverfordwest has an award-winning farmers market every Friday at Castle Square in the centre of the town.
All the produce on sale has been, grown, reared, baked, brewed, caught, pickled, smoked or processed by the producer. All producers attending are from a defined local area, in the case of Haverfordwest farmers’ market, no more than 50 miles.
Fishguard farmers markets are held in the town hall every Thursday morning.
Other produce markets
A range of produce markets selling a variety of produce, both food and craft can be found at Newport on Mondays, on a Tuesday visit the BBC Food & Farming – Best Food Market 2016 award winners St Dogmaels local producers market, and St Davids on Thursdays.
Seasonally mixed markets are also found in Tenby on Wednesdays throughout the summer.
If you are looking for a real taste of the area, there is no better way to experience produce from both the coast and inland farms, than by shopping for your dinner or picnic from the nearest market or farm shop. Try the Four Seasons farm shop and deli for a huge range of local produce, or head to Bubbleton Farm Shop for Pembrokeshire potatoes and local produce.
Our favourite producers
If you’re looking for something good to drink, head to Bluestone Brewing at Cilgwyn or the Gwaun Valley Brewery, where you can buy craft ales direct from their tap rooms. You can pick up local produce at the delightful Perennial near St Davids, a plant nursery, a cafe, a shop selling Rhosgadw beef and lamb, local produce, plus a range of hand made bird, bee and bat boxes, crafts, seeds and gardenalia. And to top it all there is a salad and cut flower growing business. But most of all it is a place to enjoy, relax and garner some inspiration. Or head to Pant Mawr cheese in Rosebush to pick up some cheese made in the Preselis. Pick up some milk and gelato at Llaeth Preseli in New Moat and stop off at Springfields near Manorbier to pick up the biggest, juiciest cherries, strawberries and blueberries grown in their polytunnels.
Food Festivals
Watch out for one of our popular food festivals, with plenty of local produce, demonstrations, music and a vibrant atmosphere, this is one of the best ways to discover new products and experience a true feel of Pembrokeshire’s food, heritage and culture. The Narberth food festival is not to be missed, while the Newport food festival goes from strength to strength.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Show
In August visit the Pembrokeshire Agricultural show at Withybush showground, where the farming and countryside are showcased as well as the popular food hall.
Narberth Food Festival
Narberth Food Festival is held annually in late September. It is a serious food lovers festival in a seriously foodie town, with gourmet treats, walkabout entertainment and the tastiest of street food to enjoy.
Christmas Markets
During November and December a series of Christmas markets are held in various locations from Picton and Pembroke Castle, Scolton Manor, Saundersfoot & Oriel y Parc in St Davids. They all have gift ideas, food and crafts, as well as the obligatory mulled wine and carols.
Haverfordwest Farmers Market
