LCW Wales: A local’s guide to the best eateries around

Whether you’re staying in a picturesque hotel in the beating heart of Tenby, or have opted for a self-catering cottage in the stunning Pembrokeshire countryside, there are staple and quirky food options to satisfy every taste and budget. Join us as we take a tour of some of the lesser-known eateries and the best-kept secrets some of the locals don’t even know exist.

Tenby & Saundersfoot

As you probably can appreciate, as award-winning fishing villages, with small commercial fishing boats, both of these communities have impressive “boat to plate” seafood to offer. From mackerel to sea bass, crab and squid there is an abundance of locally and sustainably sourced cuisine on offer. For the best dressed crab try the Hope & Anchor at the bottom of Tenby’s Tudor Square or if Caldey Sea Bass is your desire you can’t beat The Plantagenet, just yards from the harbour. For Lobster, there’s no better setting than the Stone Crab situated right on the harbour in Saundersfoot.

For anyone craving brunch, Ronniz serves homemade pancakes, organic Pembrokeshire sausages and an array of light and subtle options to start your day. Matt and his team are true foodies, and their ever-changing specials board is a sight to behold (and tuck into).

In recent seasons, there has been a surge in street food options. Best-equipped are the guys at Tap & Tan on Tenby’s Upper Frog Street. Slow-smoked meats and craft beers populate the menu at this hip and relaxed eatery, which works on a walk-in basis. Did we mention they also make our specially commissioned Long Course Weekend beer?

Global chains have been absent from both areas from the start, with Domino’s being the sole occupant if your looking something quick and easy. For real artisan pizza, Top Joe’s is the place to be.

Fish and chip shops are in abundance with Fecci’s in Tenby and The Argosi in Saundersfoot holding all the awards. However, you’d be hard pushed to find a bad one in the area.

For a real treat Lan-Y-Mor in Saundersfoot offers 5* dinning in a unique setting, just metres from the beach, overlooking Coppet Hall sands. Certainly, at the higher end of your budget, their award-winning chefs serve a varied menu to a Michelin standard. The Links Restaurant at Tenby Golf Club rivals this standard of culinary delicacy, having recently been awarded two rosettes for its work. 

Finally, the good old-fashioned gastropub. Quite common in the area but of course we have our favourites. The Harbwr Bar in Saundersfoot is situated just 100 yards from the beach and offers inside and outside dining options. Sausage and mash, pies and local lamb are all homemade to order. They also have their own brewery! The Cove in Tenby’s high street offers a similar menu and level of service with platters and steaks a real speciality.

Further Afield

There is a common misconception that all the best places to eat are centred around Tenby and Saundersfoot. Truth is, the whole of Pembrokeshire offers a wide range of gastronomic delights, with some of the UK’s best, hidden in our beautiful countryside. A real highlight is Café Mor. An old fishing boat that has been transformed into a food trailer and is found “docked” in a car park overlooking Freshwater West’s famous Harry Potter beach. Crab sandwiches, mackerel burgers and lobster salads, all cooked with a Café Mor twist. Often utilising fresh samphire and seaweed picked straight from the rocks.

Local taverns are littered around the county and you’ll find a warm, friendly welcome at every stop. From the Stackpole Inn, just a stone’s throw away from the National Trust’s Bosheston Lilly Ponds, to the Boars Head in Templeton (home of the world-renowned Wales Sportive feed station). Our favourite haunt has to be Carew Inn. Overlooking the spooky Carew Castle and tidal mill, the Inn is a family-run affair offering local fish, meat and game. Open log fires and a spacious beer garden offer the perfect backdrop come rain or shine.

Top 5 Country Eateries

• Stackpole Inn
• Carew Inn
• Café Mor
• Cosheston Brewery
• Lydstep Tavern

In Summary

To say the food on offer in Pembrokeshire is abundant and diverse would simply be an understatement. Every taste and budget is catered for and the standard, is on average, very high. If you’re looking for fast food, global chains you’ll be bitterly disappointed. Eating in this part of the world is focused on well-run, honest and family eateries which pride themselves on great service and the desire to go that extra mile to ensure you savour every moment and mouthful. We can’t wait to welcome you to Pembrokeshire in July