Swansea and Gower are home to four of Wales’ best restaurants
It’s official. Hot off the press is the news that Gower is home to four of Wales’ top 50 restaurants. The list, published in Wales Online was published on 31st March 2024, and acknowledges the excellence and diversity of restaurants across the whole of Wales. And at Bayview, Oxwich we’re not surprised to see our favourite eateries receive the accolade of being up there with the best.
But then Gower and Swansea, Wales City by the Sea, are blessed with an abundance of fresh produce right on the doorsteps: fish and seafood from the oceans and first class meat and vegetables from fields and grazing lands blessed with a mild climate and just the right amount of rain. Not only that, but Gower and Swansea have innovative, proud chefs committed to sustainability, low food miles and creating an experience on the plate that is second to none.
Here are the 4, starting local but all within 30-mins drive of Bayview Oxwich.
1. Beach House Restaurant, Oxwich Bay, Gower
No stranger to accolades, our local restaurant, Beach House Restaurant, right on the beachfront at Oxwich Bay, is again featured. Head Chef, Hywel Griffith, has taken this wonderful space on the beach to a foodie destination that figures highly across the UK. With 3 AA Rosettes and a coveted Michelin Star, the restaurant is famed for its tasting menus, its laverbread loaf and locally caught sea food. A typical menu would be roast poussin breast, fried leg, leek, pine nut, black garlic, golden raisin and Douglas Fir.
2. The Shed SA1, Swansea
This is the new kid on the block and already being feted as must-visit experience. Housed in an old Victorian warehouse in the hip waterside location of SA1, Swansea, the restaurant is headed up by chef, and man of Gower, Jonathan Woolway, formerly of St John group fame in London. Jonathan is committed to using the best of produce Wales has to offer. Think local cockles and all things to do with the sea as well as Gower-reared meat sourced from his long-time friend, Philip Tucker, of Tuckers Traditional Butchers. A typical menu might include, grilled mackerel, rainbow chard and anchovies.
3. Mor at Mumbles
Mor (The Sea) has made a name for itself as one of the most exciting eateries in the Swansea and Gower areas. Situated in the charming Victorian village of Mumbles, here you’ll find bold-flavoured modern dishes sourced from fabulous fish purveyors Coakleys of Mumbles and Gower-reared meat from traditional butcher, Tuckers. A sample dish would include herrings, rye bread, laverbread butter, pickled beetroot and horse radish.
4. Slice in Sketty, Swansea
Slice is a tiny, intimate, 16-seater space in the Swansea suburb of Sketty. It has been said to “elevate humble ingredients to the stratosphere.” All this with a big welcome. Opened in 2014, Slice has won many accolades and appeared in both the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide. Book early as there is great demand and limited covers. A typical dish might be suckling pig, faggot, shoulder, loin, belly and cabbage.
To read more about Gower’s four award-winning restaurants and to see the full list of the top 50 in Wales, please visit the Wales Online.
If you’d like to make Bayview Oxwich your base for a truly wonderful gastronomic experience by the sea, please contact Wanda and the Team who’d be happy to advise on our holiday rental options. She’ll talk you through our contemporary cottages, luxury apartments and our exclusive retreat, to see what might be the best fit for you and your family or friends.
Imagery: © The Beach House Restaurant/The Shed SA1