A quick guide to dining, light bites and places to stay during the Food Festival
Unless you’ve had your head in a bucket of cold blancmange lately, you’ll know that the Abergavenny Food Festival is just around the corner! We’re all in a bit of a foodie mood and our tastebuds are tingling in anticipation of this annual gastronomic event, taking place on 21st and 22nd September.
Whether you’re visiting Abergavenny especially for the Festival or you’re a local resident, here’s a quick guide on where to eat and stay in abergavenny…
The Kings Arms Hotel, St John’s Square
Looking for a traditional Ploughmans’ Lunch, a taste of Welsh laverbread or mouthwatering crisp belly of old spot pork? Jim Hamilton’s menu has something for everyone. Enjoy lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch in historic, relaxed surroundings at this 16th Century coaching inn.
www.kingsarmsabergavenny.co.uk
Venue 59 at Kings Head Hotel, Cross Street
Serving tasty lunches and an extensive a la carte menu in the evenings, Venue 59 makes a great dining choice. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Located in the very heart of town, The Kings Head Hotel is always buzzing during the festival.
www.kingsheadhotelabergavenny.co.uk
1861, Cross Ash
Located a few miles outside of Abergavenny in Cross Ash, this restaurant offers a fabulous fine dining experience in picturesque surroundings. Chef patron Simon King offers his clients a warm and friendly welcome and a taste of fine, local ingredients prepared with care and cooked with passion.
www.18-61.co.uk
Pizzorante, Market Street
This Italian restaurant and pizzeria is located in the central market area of town. They pride themselves on serving deliciously fresh, homemade food from their open kitchen. We highly recommend their crispy squid starter and their fresh pasta dishes. Delicious!
www.pizzorante.co.uk
The Angel Hotel, Cross Street
Chef Wesley Hammond leads the Angel’s talented culinary team to provide guests with a memorable dining experience. Good service and delicious food. Sample a sharing platter for a true gastronomic treat or enjoy their award winning Afternoon Tea!
www.angelabergavenny.com
The Hardwick, Old Raglan Road
The Hardwick is situated just outside Abergavenny and is run by chef Stephen Terry (of Great British menu fame). Set menus are available for lunch on weekdays and Sundays, and a full a la carte menu is available in the evening. Michel Roux Jr describes this as his ‘favourite Welsh restaurant.’ The steak is to die for!
www.thehardwick.co.uk
The Walnut Tree, Old Ross Road
We’re partial to the Walnut Tree here at Focus HQ! Located two miles east of Abergavenny and run by Shaun Hill, The Walnut Tree offers an eclectic mix of food from the very finest ingredients. Excellent menus year round and scrummy desserts!
www.thewalnuttreeinn.com
Light Bites, Cakes and a Cuppa
After all that gastronomy you’ll need a slice of cake, a cup of tea or coffee and a nice sit down. Abergavenny is awash with lovely independent cafes and coffee shops where you can grab a light bite or something sweet…
Emmeline’s Homebaking, Unit 3, Old Police Station, Baker St
Serving fantastically fresh homemade cakes and freshly made soup in delightful airy surroundings.
Trading Post, 14 Nevill St
Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Abergavenny, serving cakes and snacks and a variety of daily specials, this café is hugely popular with local Abergavonians.
Vegetopia, 29 Cross St
A newly opened café serving vegan and vegetarian treats…even veggie full English breakfasts! Yum!
Miserable Cow Coffee Bar, Cibi Walk
Miserable by name but not by nature. Delicious coffee, cake and deli treats to be found in this open air eatery.
Other Cafes:
For the Love of Cake – 59a Frogmore St
Eat Your Heart out – 44 Frogmore St
Nicholls Café – 18-19 Frogmore St
Cwtch Café – 56 Cross St
Hoffi Coffi – 12 Nevill St
Coffee#1 – 14 High St
Where to Stay
Coming to Abergavenny during the Food Festival? Need somewhere to stay? A comfy bed can be found in these establishments:
Kings Arms Hotel: www.kingsarmshotelabergavenny.co.uk
Kings Head Hotel: www.kingsheadhotelabergavenny.co.uk
Park Hotel: www.theparkhotelwales.com
Rising Sun: www.therisingsunpandy.com
Manor Hotel: www.manorhotel.co.uk
The Angel Hotel: www.angelabergavenny.com
The Hardwick: www.thehardwick.co.uk
There’s a new café called The Fig Tree in Nevill Street too. Just opened!