Visitors to Bridgend County are in for a foody treat this summer with pop ups, festivals and restaurants galore
Deli Cymru
McArthurGlen Bridgend has partnered with Cywain to bring you a fantastic event spreading over 7 weeks from 2nd August to 18th September which celebrates local Welsh produce. Featuring 27 independent Welsh businesses including Bridgend County’s very own Bang On Brewery and Lilo’s Handmade Pasta.
Bang On Brewery is a Multi Award Winning Bridgend based brewery that produces a fantastic mix of beers from Lagers to Stouts and everything in between. Being the first brewery to set up in Bridgend since the 1920's, they are delighted to be able to showcase their wonderful products at McArthur Glen.
Lilo's Handmade Pasta and sauces are created using all natural ingredients. Amazing, colourful flavoured pasta made from superfoods, vegetables and all natural ingredients. All vegan friendly and the sauces are gluten free too!
Don’t stop there though. Explore the rest of the county for more foody delights.
Festivals
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food festivals.
On the 20th August, Green Top Events brings their Food and Drink festival to Bridgend Town Centre for the first time, combining a traditional market with a fun filled festival with a food quarter to sample the delights of various street food vendors, a shopping area and an entertainment area, with a variety of local musicians and rides.
The following weekend sees Brew Fest, Bridgend's first ever annual summer beer and cider festival, come to Brewery Field. This is Bridgend's first and biggest ever Brew Fest extravaganza, giving you the chance to meet some of your favourite brewers along with sampling plenty of their brews! Not only that, but there'll be live music, competition giveaways and plenty of street food to soak up all of the delicious beer.
In September Forest Feastival returns to Merthyr Mawr. Billed as several weekends of ‘deliciousness in a woodland, near a castle, by the sea; Forest Feastival is an outdoor food court featuring the best street food trucks and chefs from Wales and beyond. Pitched under a canvas amongst the beautiful woodland of the Merthyr Mawr Estate, the event will span several weekends in September.
Restaurants
Expect exotic tastes, even in the smallest places. The tiny village of Laleston boasts independent eateries El Prado by Martinez and The Black Rabbit, as well as Leicester’s Restaurant in the 16th century Great House Hotel.
Even more historic is the Old House 1147 in Llangynwyd, just outside the town of Maesteg. There’s an ongoing debate over whether the Old House is actually Wales’ oldest pub! The pub was founded in the 1100s so it is definitely one of the oldest and has been beautifully restored and redeveloped in recent years. Enjoy everything from a traditional afternoon tea to speciality vegan dishes, all crafted using fresh local produce.
In Bridgend Town Centre there are both new and established restaurants that any foodie city would be proud to call their own. La Cocina Tapas is renowned for authentic, Spanish-inspired dishes while Morgan’s Bistro & Cocktail Bar is a great option for traditional French cuisine.
If you’re sticking to the coast, top Porthcawl-based restaurants include the Cosy Corner Lounge and Dockside Bar & Grill. Experience Porthcawl’s seafront café culture for locally sourced flavours, or the recently renovated Jennings Building plays host to popular eateries which overlook the harbour.
