Everyone loves more a classic comeback story; a tale of redemption told with love and affection, full of guts, true grit and glory. It’s usually the work of fiction, but for the people of Wrexham, they’ve experienced it for themselves in recent years. Thanks to the backing of Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the struggling local football team has gone ‘from zero to hero’, garnering fans from around the globe. To top it all, a smash hit documentary series on Disney Plus has created even more of a buzz, with ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ drawing further attention. Which means this post-industrial town is now full of international crowds eager to explore the city’s recipe for success. So where to eat in the city by the Dee, that really captures the flavour of Wrexham?
For a solid beginning and a fun start to your morning, how about a breakfast bap served by some of the stars of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’? You’ll see a long line of customers in front of the Racecourse football stadium, where Wayne Jones and family run the (now world-famous) Turf Hotel. Most international visitors queuing are on a footy – if not foodie - pilgrimage, keen to capture the taste of Wrexham in a bun.
But for gourmands keen for an introduction of a flavour tour of the region, then head to Tôst for a tasty immersion in ‘town’. This cosy cafe-deli offers breakfast treats aplenty, including toasties and coffee, matcha lattes and rarebits as well as a classic warm Welsh welcome . Say that again? ‘What’s a rarebit?’ It’s a famous Welsh treat – a boujie ‘grilled cheese’ - and the Tôst version is out of this world. Toast a thick slice of sourdough (freshly baked at Iâl restaurant), and smother with Dragon cheese from South Caernarfon Creameries, infused with the hoppy tang of Wrexham Lager. Top it off with a poached egg and local Overton bacon; then present with Mountain Produce salad leaves and a rapeseed oil vinagrette from the mineral-rich soils of the nearby village of Minerva. ‘Ardderchog!’ as we say in Welsh. I wolfed mine down with a perfect cup of tea and enjoyed a view of busy Charles Street from my window seat.
Staying close to the city-centre, you may be craving something sweet, so how about a mid-morning coffee and cake as an extra special treat? For delectable sponge cakes head for Cafe de Galles, and for traditional afternoon tea go to Reggie’s Artisan Bakery. Or for an Australian-style brunch – think pancakes with syrup, or ‘smashed avo on toast’ - Lot 11 Cafe + Hideout is ideal.
Where next? Let’s do lunch. You’ll find plenty of great deals, and a variety of cuisines around Wrexham city centre. For a classic Caesar Salad head for the lovely Lemon Tree; a long-established local favourite and a classy brasserie. Or for Ottolenghi-style flavours try Levant Kitchen and Bar or Safar Bistro Grill, and at the opposite end of the Mediterannean sea, Lisbon Tapas is the place to be. For a ‘Curry-on-the-Go’ then head for Welsh arts centre and street-food-market Tŷ Pawb. And for a quick taste of Thailand, Divine Thai is a city-centre favourite, or go for Thai Dine on Bridge Street for a stylish celebration.
On Sundays you’ll find plenty of pubs that offer the traditional roast lunch, but nowhere in Wrexham trumps the contemporary, light-filled space of Bwyty Iâl Restaurant, in my opinion. It’s such a great concept; located at the entrance of Cambrian College, it’s the training space for local culinary students. The farm-to fork menu celebrates the best local Welsh produce including from Llysffasi agricultural college. As well as the classic Sunday meats (such as lamb, pork and beef), you can also choose the meat-free roast of the day - and do remember to order the ‘leek crumble’ as a side. As a ravishing final treat how about a twist on a Welsh ‘Bara Brith’; the classic fruited tea loaf is enriched at Iâl restaurant with dark chocolate, orange and ginger, and finished off with crème anglaise.
For a digestif, I’d suggest a nice walk and leisurely drink, back towards the town centre. There are plenty of venues, including Welsh community pub Saith Seren, and the seriously stylish wine bar and shop Alticcio. There you can savour a glass of the local vino – that’s Vale Vineyard or ‘Gwinllan y Dyffryn’, from Llandyrnog. Or, for a proper Wrexham pub, head for The Nag’s Head or The Royal Oak, and if you’re into cask ale or craft beer and lager, try the Magic Dragon Brewery Tap on Charles Street.
Indeed, you’ll find Wrexham Lager on offer in most local bars and restaurants, but how about a three-course Wrexham Lager tasting menu? At The Bank wine bar and bistro, you can taste a ‘flight’ of three beers (lager, export lager and pilsener) paired with Peruvian-inspired tacos, a truffle mushroom tart and a Welsh pork sausage roll. Now we’re on a roll! And on that note, they say The Fat Boar’s sticky sausages are a favourite with Canadian star Ryan Reynolds. They pair just as well with his Aviation gin, or classic Welsh whisky Penderyn. And if it’s a t-bone steak or a rib-eye that you’re after, try stylish sister-restaurant Carniboar.
If you have time for a taxi to the rural outskirts of city, I have a couple of really nice suggestions. Four miles north of the city centre, between Wrexham and the village of Gresford, there is a wonderful 16th century lakeside pub. Beloved with locals for generations, The Pant yr Ochain is a prime destination for a relaxing lunch, fun supper or even a special celebration. This is mostly down to the outstanding local staff, that are experts at providing a Welsh welcome. I popped in for a light lunch – a Pinot Grigio spritzer and a leek and Snowdonia Black Bomber quiche - and left planning my imminent return!
Another idyllic destination lies 6 miles south of the city of Wrexham, set alongside the river Dee. The Boat Inn at Erbistock is truly a must if you love charming riverside inns. Chef Alyn Jones’s menu celebrates the best local and Welsh produce, such as the perennially popular Menai mussels. When I visited for a Sunday supper, the place was full of happy eaters; the most popular dish on the menu that evening was the lamb and leek casserole with rosemary dumplings. The dessert list is a dream, between the bread and butter pudding, and the Earl Grey baked Basque cheesecake, served with marmalade ice cream! Just some of the many local stars and distinctive flavours to consider as you plan your winning trip to Wrexham.
One last tip for foodie (and footy) pilgrims keen to explore the Wrexham area further; there are some world-class gastro-pubs located in the Ceiriog valley, not too far from the Pontcysyllte aqueduct (a UNESCO world heritage site, eight miles from the city centre). Both The Swan Inn, Pontfadog and The Hand at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog offer fresh Ceiriog river trout on their stellar menus. Just one of the many local stars and distinctive flavours to consider as you plan your winning trip to Wrexham.
More:
The inside story: things to do in Wrexham
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