National Welsh Food Centre

Closer to home, this summer the Prince of Wales officially opened the Bodnant Estate’s National welsh food centre.

This is based in the lovingly restored 18^th century buildings of Furnace Farm, and commands a great view of a swathe of the Conway River and valley.  It is on the A470 near the turning to Bodnant Gardens (National Trust) and offers a unique variety of produce mainly from North Wales.

The Farm shop stocks fresh vegetables, free range eggs (including duck and quails eggs) has an excellent cheese counter and meat department.  The meat counter seems like an old fashioned butchers with friendly advice offered.  French trimmed rack of lamb, Welsh Black beef, salt marsh lamb, traditionally cured bacon and game such as venison and pheasant are available when in season.

There are also a range of lovely artisan breads, some using local ground flour from the Estate’s own mill.  In addition a range of preserves, herbs and spices, confectionery and teas – plus local micro brewed beer – means the shop is a real treasure trove for treats and gifts this time of year.

Also on site is a cosy café, with a courtyard to sit out in during fine weather, which offers snacks and traditional welsh cakes to enjoy with your tea or coffee. Adjoining this is a beekeeping information centre with local honey and beeswax products for sale.  Further up the hill there is also a restaurant which aims to provide simple tasty menus based on local produce.

A wonderfully equipped new cookery school is situated by the restaurant which offers a range of courses (some as short as a morning) improving skills in subjects such as baking, pasta making, and ways with chocolate.  And there is comfortable accommodation available if you fancy a short foodie break!

It’s an exciting venture and we wish it every success – check out the website for further details:

www.bodnant-welshfood.co.uk