If you're looking for an authentic taste of Wales, this acclaimed restaurant in the heart of one of the country's most historic towns is a beautiful way to start. Yr Hen Printworks opened in 2021 in Cardigan, Wales, and has already been recognised by the Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand for its stand-out cooking and use of local produce.
But it's not just the ingredients that lean into Welsh culture - Yr Hen Printworks is located within the charming Hope Chapel, which was built back in 1837, and over the years has seen many changes, including printing the local newspaper. The space actually came into the family in the 90s, but it was in 2017 when they started careful renovations, and for four years worked with the original features to create a stunning space which pays homage to the town's heritage. Inside, you'll see that a huge slate slab from the chapel has been repurposed for the fire base, chimney bricks used for the bar, and objects such as printing blocks and trays, plus very old copies of the newspaper have all been displayed.
Onto the food, and the team insist that 'local produce' isn't just a buzz phrase and to them, and means so much more. One of the founders, Rachel, comes from a farming family and her parents supply the restaurant with organic Welsh Blacks steaks cuts dry-aged for up to a month, while the menu also features Pembrokeshire oysters and coracle-caught brown trout from the river Teifi.
The menu is made up of small plates and the team advise ordering two to three per person and getting experimental with flavour combinations. An example of what you might enjoy includes oyster mushroom tart with egg yolk, as well as roast hake with miso and cauliflower, and Welsh lamb with mint and swede.