JDW backs Welsh farmers in new menu launch

Pub giant JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is supporting Welsh farmers and suppliers with its new menu, which it is launching across its 50 pubs in Wales tomorrow (6 September).

The new menu will be printed in English and Welsh and showcases a range of food and drink from suppliers across Wales, including meat from Welsh farms.

Dishes include Welsh dragon sausages and mash (three Welsh pork, leek and chilli sausages, Caerphilly cheese and leek mashed potato, peas, caramelised onion and SA Brains ale gravy). It also has Welsh beef and ale pie as well as Welsh Celtic Pride beef cottage pie.

Alongside the meals, drinkers can choose from a range of real ales from Welsh brewers including Evan Evans Brewery and Glamorgan Brewery. The pubs will also be serving a choice of craft cans, bottled cider and spirits from Welsh producers.

Local spirits

These drinks include Gwynt y Ddraig Crow Cider, which is produced in Pontypridd, and Penderyn whisky and Brecon gin, both produced in the Brecon Beacons.

For gin lovers, the pubs will offer Brains Gin Lane (craft can produced in Cardiff by Brains) and Boss Beatlejuice (craft can produced in Swansea by Boss Brewing).

Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones is visiting the Wyndham Arms in Bridgend today (5 September) to meet with suppliers and sample products ahead of the menu launch.

He said: “I am extremely proud of Wales’ high-quality food and drink, which is enjoying a growing reputation for excellence around the world."

Showcasing local produce

He added: “It is great news that JDW will be showcasing food and drink from suppliers right across Wales. I look forward to trying the Welsh dragon sausages and mash.”

JDW regional manager for west Wales Richard Bond lauded the opportunity to showcase local produce.

He said: “We are proud to serve a standalone menu in our pubs, offering the best of Welsh food and drink, alongside our regular menu.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our pubs to offer superb Welsh-produced products.”