Places to enjoy Denbighshire's local produce

Denbighshire offers many experiences and attractions in a diverse area. There are five rural towns - Corwen, Denbigh, Llangollen, Rhuddlan and Ruthin, two coastal towns - Rhyl and Prestatyn, and one city - St Asaph. There are five castles in the county, as well as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On top of all this, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is a great place to walk or cycle, and much of it is in Denbighshire.

Food is important to the people of Clwyd. There are several food festivals – in Corwen, Rhuddlan and Llangollen, and Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen also hold food markets on a regular basis. The Vale of Clwyd produces some of the country's best foods, with companies producing yoghurt, cheese, ice cream, cider, and Welsh lamb. Perhaps the most unique food that comes from the area is the Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum.

The county's restaurants, cafes and pubs are extremely lucky to have these products on their doorstep, and as a result, can offer customers a feast made of local produce. Why not call for a drink or a bite to eat in one of the places below while you’re in the area?

The popular local ice cream is available in many shops and restaurants, but for a different experience check out their honesty box in Llanychan. You can buy Chilly Cow ice cream tubs as well as local produce including Owen and Edwards Coffee, Ffynnon Beuno jam and Black Mountain Honey.

Te yn y Grug is a deli and cafe which specialises in local Welsh produce. The name clearly celebrates the area's links with renowned author Kate Roberts, who lived in Denbigh for most of her life. (Te yn y Grug, or Tea in the Heather, is the title of one of her collections of short stories). The cakes available in the café are worth seeing! The deli sells hampers and local cheese, honey and coffee. You can buy wine from Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Pant y Foel gin and beer from Bragdy Mona Brewery there too.

The Rhug Estate sells almost 3,000 different products from local suppliers in their shop – as well as producing their own award-winning organic meat. There is a café on site, take-away options, and electric car charging points.

Overlooking St Peter’s Square is the Nest Coffee Shop with its relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Here, you can sink into the comfortable seats to enjoy a good cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake, read a book off their shelves, or play a board game while looking at the square’s medieval buildings.

Caffeina is an eco-friendly café which uses renewable energy and aims to reduce food waste. There is a good selection of vegan options available here. Look out for the occasional yoga session in the café.

The Dinorben Arms, in the middle of the small village of Bodfari, nestles in the shadow St Stephen’s church. The building is steeped in history but has modern elements. The menu changes daily and is full of fish, meat and vegetarian options.

If you, like me, are a fan of a cocktail or two, food of the highest standard and a nice cosy atmosphere, this is the place for you! Small Plates serves tapas style food.

If you want a cuppa and a delicious cake, an incredible location and the warmest welcome in the world, go along to see Sara and Gwion and the crew in Llanbenwch. Llanbenwch is about three miles from Ruthin, towards Wrexham, and is nestled in the middle of the Clwydian range. A year ago, a small log cabin was built as a café and shop selling local produce on site and the small log cabin soon became one of the area's most popular destinations to meet friends over a cuppa. Homemade cakes and fresh brownies are sold daily and the shop sells local produce such as Llain Wen eggs, Chilly Cow ice cream and local meat and ready meals as well as local art.

Recently, a second cabin has been erected and is the home of Blown, a local company that creates and sells wonderful personalised and luxury balloons.