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Worldchefs Congress & Expo

Welsh Chefs Share Their Top Recommendations Ahead of Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026

As the countdown begins to the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, we reached out to the chefs of the Culinary Association of Wales to get their insider recommendations. From where to eat and what to see, to the must-try dishes that define Welsh hospitality, keep reading to discover what makes Wales a world-class culinary destination.

A full list of recommendations is provided at the end.

Explore the Best of Wales

James Ward, Chef Lecturer, recommends making the most of the local attractions while you’re here.

“Take a walk through Beechwood Park, explore the historic Cardiff Castle, or even visit the Medieval Ship exhibition. And if you’re a golfer, you’re in the right country.”

For dining, James suggests The Whitebrook, The Walnut Tree, and Gem42, and says you can’t leave without trying traditional Welsh cakes.

Where Tradition Meets Passion

Iain Sampson, Chef at The Bear, Crickhowell, former Welsh Chef of the Year, and Global Vegan Chefs Challenge 2026 Finalist, brings his deep roots in Welsh cuisine — and love of golf — to his recommendations.

“You can’t beat a round in the Brecon Beacons, then stop at The Bear for a classic meal or visit The Vine Tree in Llangattock for something special.”

His must-try Welsh dishes? Undoubtedly, you must try Welsh Lamb, and of course, a taste of tradition at The Bear.

The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell, Wales

A Sweet Side to Wales

Pastry chef and Bake Off: The Professionals 2021 winner Andrew Minto, owner of a Cardiff café-patisserie and Global Pastry Chefs Challenge 2026 Finalist, highlights the charm of the region:

Andrew Minto

“Start your day at Buds Café, just 20 minutes from Celtic Manor. If you love nature, take a walk at Symonds Yat for the fantastic views and river canoeing.”

For dining, Andrew recommends Gorse, Cardiff’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, and Ynyshir, a globally acclaimed fine-dining experience.

“Try our Welsh Lamb and local cheeses, both are exceptional.”

Welsh Lamb’s unique heritage has been recognized with the coveted status of Protected Geographical Indication.

Cardiff’s Culinary Icons

Ryan Jones, Head Chef at Principality Stadium and former National Chef of Wales, proudly invites visitors to his city.

Ryan Jones

“You have to visit the Principality Stadium, it’s the best stadium in the world!”

When it comes to dining, Ryan points to Home by James Sommerin and Heaneys in Cardiff, and recommends tasting Welsh cakes from Fabulous Welsh Cakes and Welsh beef from Castell Howell.

From Whisky to Welsh Rarebit

For Peter Fuchs, Group Culinary Director at ICC Wales & The Celtic Collection, the key is variety:

Welsh Whiskey

“Visit the Penderyn Whisky Distillery, stop by Tiny Rebel Brewery, explore Cardiff and Newport’s indoor food hall, and definitely fit in a round of golf at the resort.”

When it comes to dining, Peter also suggests exploring any of the seven restaurants across the Celtic Collection, or enjoying Gem42, Thomas by Tom, Gorse, or Home by James Sommerin.

“And don’t miss Welsh rarebit or cawl, they truly showcase the heart of Welsh cooking.”

Why Wales?

Wales is not just the next host of the Worldchefs Congress & Expo, it’s a destination that blends natural beauty, deep-rooted culinary heritage, and modern innovation. From Michelin-starred dining and craft distilleries to ancient castles and mountain views, it’s a place where chefs can come to be inspired.

Join chefs from around the world in Newport, Wales in 2026, to celebrate culinary excellence, discover Welsh flavors, and connect with the global culinary community!

For a £200 discount, register by October 31 and enjoy early bird rates.

We hope to see you there!

Welsh Chef Recommendations

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, Culinary Association of Wales president (second from left), with Welsh Vegan Chef of the Year winner Ryan Jones, National Chef of Wales winner Sam Everton and Junior Chef of Wales winner Calum Smith.

Recommendations

Food/Dining
  • The Whitebrook: A Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms in the Wye Valley, offering modern British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
    Website: thewhitebrook.co.uk
  • The Walnut Tree: A Michelin-starred inn near Abergavenny, serving contemporary British dishes in a relaxed setting.
    Website: thewalnuttreeinn.com
  • Gem42: An Italian restaurant in Newport, known for its seasonal tasting menus and commitment to sustainability.
    Website: Gem42
  • The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell: A historic coaching inn dating back to 1432, offering traditional Welsh hospitality and cuisine.
    Website: The Bear Hotel Crickhowell
  • The Vine Tree, Llangattock: A 19th-century coaching inn on the River Usk, providing a farm-to-table dining experience with locally sourced produce.
    Website: thevinetreellangattock.co.uk
  • Buds Café, Radyr: A café and patisserie in Cardiff, serving brunch, small plates, and a variety of sweet treats in a relaxed atmosphere.
    Website: Buds Cafe
  • Gorse: A Michelin-starred modern Welsh restaurant in Cardiff, offering seasonal tasting menus that celebrate local produce.
    Website: Gorse
  • Ynyshir: A two Michelin-starred restaurant in Machynlleth, known for its 30-course tasting menu with Japanese influences.
    Website: ynyshir.co.uk
  • Home by James Sommerin: A fine dining restaurant in Penarth, offering modern Welsh cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
    Website: homebyjamessommerin.co.uk
  • Heaneys: A contemporary restaurant in Cardiff, known for its innovative dishes and commitment to sustainability.
    Website: heaneys.co.uk
  • Fabulous Welsh Cakes: A bakery in Cardiff specializing in traditional Welsh cakes made with locally sourced ingredients.
    Website: fabulouswelshcakes.co.uk
  • Castell Howell Foods: A food wholesaler in Wales, supplying quality Welsh produce to restaurants and retailers.
    Website: castellhowellfoods.co.uk
  • Cardiff Indoor Food Hall: A food hall in Cardiff, offering a variety of street food vendors and local produce.
    Website: cardiffindoorfoodhall.co.uk
  • Newport Indoor Food Hall: A food hall in Newport, featuring diverse food stalls and a community-focused atmosphere.
    Website: newportindoorfoodhall.co.uk
Alcohol /Beverage
  • Penderyn Whisky Distillery: A distillery in the Brecon Beacons, producing award-winning single malt whiskies.
    Website: penderyn.wales
  • Tiny Rebel Brewery: A craft brewery in Newport, known for its innovative beers and vibrant taproom.
    Website: tinyrebel.co.uk
Places to visit
  • Cardiff Castle: A historic castle in the heart of Cardiff, offering a glimpse into 2,000 years of history, including Roman walls, medieval keep, and Victorian Gothic interiors.
    Website: cardiffcastle.com
  • Symonds Yat: A picturesque village in the Wye Valley, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
    Website: symonds-yat.co.uk
  • Principality Stadium: An iconic stadium in Cardiff, hosting major sporting events and concerts.
    Website: visitcrickhowell.wales

Thank you to Peter Fuchs, Ryan Jones, Andrew Minto, Iain Sampson and James Ward for sharing their Welsh recommendations.

More Resources


A Welsh Welcome: Bringing Worldchefs Congress to Wales with Arwyn Watkins OBE | World on a Plate Ep 134
On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Arwyn Watkins OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales and the driving force behind bringing the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 to the UK for the first time in its 98-year history.

Categories
Worldchefs Congress & Expo

Why Wales: A Worldclass Destination Set to Host Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026

Tastemakers Choice: South Wales

Every two years, Worldchefs’ member associations gather in cities around the globe to chart the future of food and drink at Worldchefs Congress. Together, leadership from culinary associations representing 110 countries come together to vote on key industry issues, including the location of upcoming Congresses.

Tastemakers from every continent decide on a location to host the leading event for the world’s culinary community, choosing from top destinations. And for 2026, they chose South Wales.

Why? With its rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality, a landscape of rugged coastlines and castles, and ancient traditions coupled with innovative solutions inspiring the future of food, let’s discover everything Wales has to offer.

Hwyl: Only in Wales

The Welsh word hwyl (pronounced ‘hoo-eel’) has no direct English, but it means a deep state of joy from being present in the moment.

Hywl is deeply rooted in Welsh culture. It can come from the adrenaline rush of a cold plunge or from a quiet retreat to rest, in a busy pub with friends or looking out at Roman ruins.

When you come for Worldchefs Congress 2026, experience hywl for yourself. Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of your time in Wales.

Ziplining in South Wales
Ziplining in South Wales
City Standouts

With the 2026 Congress hosted in Newport, South Wales, you’ve got a strong starting point for your Welsh adventure. A small city that packs a big punch, Newport offers a lively cultural scene, rich history, and easy access to natural and cultural wonders across South Wales.

Start at the heartbeat of the city center, Newport Market, a traditional covered market where you’ll meet food & drink traders, sample Welsh classics under one roof, and find shopping stalls with something for everyone.

Wander through the walkable city center to admire public art installations, or for more art, head to the Newport Museum and Art Gallery, home to an incredible collection of classic and contemporary art, or the Riverfront Arts Centre on the River Usk for concerts and exhibitions.

For a spot of tea, make a trip to Tredegar House, one of the British Isle’s most significant late 17th-century houses, situated on 90 acres of beautiful gardens.

A quick coastal ride and you can explore Cardiff, too. Wales’ capital city is a place where old meets young, full of culture and heritage, from museumsplaces to catch a show or a gig, boutique shopping in Victorian arcades, and even Cardiff Castle, right in the center of the city.

Newport Market South Wales
Newport Market
Castle Craft

South Wales is spotted with castles, all just a short drive, tour, or bike ride away. Whether you’re in it for thousands of years of history, a look at elaborate artistry, or just an epic photoshoot, choose from over 30 castles to add to your itinerary.

Caerphilly Castle, the largest castle in Wales, has just reopened after two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment, featuring state-of-the-art digital exhibits to bring history to life. Caldicot Castle is rumored to be haunted, but it’s also one of the best places to view the Severn estuary, with 55 acres of gardens and country park.

Or if you’re looking for something to sweeten the deal, enjoy a history lesson and a tipple at the craft spirit distillery in Hensol Castle, where you can enjoy a G&T on arrival.

Caerphilly Castle South Wales
Caerphilly Castle
Nature NEXT DOOR

In South Wales, nature is never far away. Wander hiking trails for all levels, from forest to coast.

Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve has stunning nature walks and birdwatching, plus a café. If you’re looking for more coastal paths, the South Wales Coast and Severn Estuary path gives you 109 miles of incredible views through quiet fishing villages and nature reserves.

You can even find beachside saunas, and finish your walk with a wood-fired sauna after a cold dip.

If you want to combine the outing with history, check out the Celtic Trails – Three Castles Walk. If you like more structured gardens, there’s plenty to discover in South Wales, too. And for those looking for nature on the manicured grass of a luxury golf course, Celtic Manor Resort, is just a few minutes’ drive from Newport.

Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve South Wales
Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve
A FOODIE HAVEN

From Michelin stars to hidden gems, Wales’ food scene gives you a taste of the Welsh landscape and waters. There is so much to dig into, starting with local traditions of Welsh cheese, ales, cakes, and cawl, a traditional Welsh stew.

With so much to try, stay tuned for recommendations from Wales’ top chefs.

Culinary Association of Wales
Culinary Association of Wales
Pasture, Passion, Plate: Coming Together in Wales

When is the best time to visit Wales? May is one of the best months to visit, with warmer spring temperatures and more dry days, and without hordes of tourists. The countryside is blanketed in wildflowers, and the sea is welcoming enough for surfing, kayaking, and cold plunges.

In the middle of the month, combine work and play at with Worldchefs Congress 2026 in Newport. From 16 to 19 May 2026, celebrate ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate,’ with the beautiful backdrop of Welsh culture and country.

For a £200 discount, register by October 31 and enjoy early bird rates.

See you there, and cymru am byth (pronounced come-ree am-bith, meaning Wales Forever)!

Photos from Visit Wales.

Categories
Member News Worldchefs Congress & Expo

Join Us For Worldchefs’ Inaugural Golf Challenge in May 2026 – Register Your Interest Today!

Register Your Interest! Worldchefs Inaugural Golf Challenge – 14 May 2026, Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales.

The Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 in Newport, Wales is now less than a year away! Our venue, the renowned Celtic Manor Resort, is one of the world’s leading resort hotels and conference destinations. In addition to its outstanding event facilities, Celtic Manor hosts three championship golf courses — all of which have hosted European Tour events, including the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2010.

As this will be the first time the Congress is held in such a unique and iconic location, it has been proposed that Worldchefs host its inaugural Worldchefs Golf Challenge. The event will take place on Thursday, 14 May 2026, on the renowned Montgomerie Course at Celtic Manor.

Open to all delegates, partners, spouses, and Congress sponsors, the competition will follow the Stableford format and begin with a ‘shotgun start’ at 1:30 PM.

The cost for the day is £95.00 per person, which includes Green Fees and Entry Fee, along with the following:

1. Play on the Roman Road/Montgomerie Course
2. Exclusive use of the course for up to 72 players, including: 

  • Shotgun start on the Roman Road Golf Course
  • Complimentary electric golf buggies with GPS (1 buggy per 2 players)
  • Professional scorecard management via Golf Genius, handled by the Celtic Collection Golf Operations Team
  • Pre-game golf briefing by the Celtic Collection Golf Operations Team
  • Par 3 Challenge with the chance to win a free round of golf (managed by the Celtic Collection Golf Operations Team)
  • Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive challenges
  • Additional on-course competitions
  • Set-up of up to 9 on-course banners for sponsors (additional branding options available on request)
  • Flying of the Worldchefs flag at the Golf Club

Club hire is available at an additional cost of £50.00 per person.

To move forward with planning and finalize the day’s programme, we first need to gauge genuine interest in the event. Should enough delegates express interest, we will proceed with a contract agreement with Celtic Manor.

Upon confirmation of your booking, a non-refundable deposit will be required, with the remaining balance due by an agreed date.

To support our planning efforts, we kindly ask that you send an initial expression of interest by email as soon as possible, and no later than 1 September 2025. Please send an email directly to Neil Thomson to register your interest by clicking the button below.

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Global Chefs Challenge Member News Worldchefs Congress & Expo

Welsh Chefs Selected for Next Year’s Global Chefs Challenge Finals in Wales

January 31, 2025 – Three chefs were selected at last week’s Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) to represent Wales in the Global Chefs Challenge finals next year.

The finals will be held at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 which will take place at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) in Newport and hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) – the first time this prestigious global event will have been held in the UK in its 98-year history.

As host, Wales gets free passes into the finals of four competitions. Representing the country in the Global Chefs Challenge is Sam Everton, lecturer at Coleg Ceredigion, Cardigan who works weekends at the Michelin accredited Yr Hen Printworks, Cardigan.

Sam won the National Chef of Wales final last week, having previously won the Junior Chef of Wales final in 2024 – the first chef to win back-to-back finals since Danny Burke’s achievement 25 years ago.

“It’s a big year ahead with a lot of planning and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” said Sam. “Hopefully, I can win a medal at the Global Chef Challenge finals on home soil next year.”

Flying the flag for Wales in the Global Young Chefs Challenge will be Calum Smith, who works for Independents by Sodexo at Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury. Captain of the Junior Culinary Team Wales, Calum won the Junior Chef of Wales final last week.

“It’s a massive achievement to be the winner in my age bracket and in my craft,” he said after winning the Junior Chef of Wales title. “It will be a real honour to represent Wales at the Global Chefs Challenge finals.”

Wales’ representative in the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge is Ryan Jones, head chef at The Principality Stadium, Cardiff and National Chef of Wales winner in 2014. He won a closely contested Welsh Vegan Chef of the Year final at the WICC.

“It’s great to still be competing after 13 years and winning this competition is just as exciting as it was in 2014,” he said. “I love competing because it’s exciting and keeps you on your toes. I think it’s something that every chef should experience.”

Selected as the country’s Global Pastry Chef Challenge finalist is Andrew Minto, owner of Minto’s Patisserie, Cardiff who won Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals in 2021.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, said: “We are delighted that the winners of the three showcase competitions at the WICC are enthusiastic about representing Wales at the Global Chefs Challenge finals here in Wales next year.

“They are three very talented and experienced chefs who have all competed internationally for Wales and I’m certain will represent their country with great passion and pride.

“I can’t wait to see them competing on home turf next May when the Global Chefs Challenge finals will be integral to the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026.”

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, Culinary Association of Wales president (second from left), with Welsh Vegan Chef of the Year winner Ryan Jones, National Chef of Wales winner Sam Everton and Junior Chef of Wales winner Calum Smith.

– END –

For more information, please contact Arwyn Watkins, OBE, on Tel: 07831 697494, Alison Collingridge, marketing manager, on Tel: 01938 555 893 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations consultant, on Tel: 01686 650818.

Categories
Member News Worldchefs Congress & Expo

Success celebrated as Welsh chefs prepare to host global event in 2026

Immediate: January 28, 2025

The successful Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) ended with a night of celebration and a preview of an exciting global event coming to Wales next year.

The WICC, organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), attracted around 150 talented chefs, front of house staff, apprentices and students from across Wales to showcase their skills over three days of competitions.

The International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) in Newport became the hub for Welsh hospitality, butchery, food and drink as Castell Howell held a Welsh Food and Drink Show alongside the WICC for the first time.

Four coveted national titles were decided and a wide range of hospitality competitions, including Skills Competition Wales classes, were held.

CAW president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, shared videos linked to the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, which is coming to ICC Wales in May next year. Around 800 delegates from around the globe are expected to attend the four-day event, which is being held in the UK for the first time in its 98-year history.

“Many of you here tonight will have no idea what is coming to Wales next year,” he told guests at the WICC Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony held at ICC Wales. “It’s important that you understand the exciting opportunities for Wales.

“This event will be critically important for Wales and its economy and will showcase our culture, heritage and food and drink products on the theme ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’.

“Over the next 14 months, I shall be reaching out to people, businesses, organisations and governments to encourage them to engage with us to deliver this once in a generation event for Wales.”

He paid tribute to the late Ian Edwards, chief executive officer of Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales, Peter Fuchs, group culinary director of the Celtic Collection and ICC Wales and Danielle Bounds, ICC Wales sales director, for their wholehearted support in securing the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, a journey that began in 2017.

One of the videos contained a message from CAW ambassador Katherine Jenkins, OBE, together with the congress anthem which she has gifted.

In another video message, Deputy First Minister for Wales, Huw Irranca-Davies congratulated all WICC participants and said Welsh food and drink products were among the world’s best.

He stressed that a strong food and drink industry was important to the Welsh economy and he thanked chefs for their enthusiasm and commitment to the hospitality sector. “We are a small country but with big ambitions,” he added.

Mr Watkins praised the contribution made to the WICC by judges. “These men are pillars of our industry and give their time for nothing to benefit the next generation,” he said.

He presented Worldchefs international and regional judges badges to Colin Gray, CAW vice president and WICC judging chairman and Gareth Johns, head chef at the Wynnstay Hotel, Machynlleth, respectively.

He also thanked staff from Cambrian Training Company for their work on the Skills Competition Wales classes and the WICC support team.

WICC award winners included Coleg y Cymoedd, college of the year. Mr Watkins praised the college for closing its hospitality department for three days during the event to bring 165 students to either compete in competitions or to tour Celtic Collection departments.

The hygiene award from Ecolab went to Jordan Howorth from Shrewsbury School, a National Chef of Wales bronze medallist.

Main award winners were: National Chef of Wales, Sam Everton, Coleg Ceredigion, Cardigan; Junior Chef of Wales, Calum Smith, Shrewsbury School; Welsh Vegan Chef of the Year, Ryan Jones, head chef at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff; Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year, Ollie Holden-Davies, Neil Powell Butchers, Hay-on-Wye; Riso Gallo UK and Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year Wales national heat, Harry Howell, Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthen; Outstanding Achievement, Tiana West, Coleg y Cymoedd.

Sponsors of the WICC are Castell Howell, Cambrian Training Company, Roller Grill UK, MCS Technical Products, Capital Cuisine, Churchill, Cygnet Gin, Henley Bridge, Food and Drink Wales, Kentaur, City & Guilds UK, Essential Cuisine, Ecolab, Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales, Terry’s Patisserie Ltd, Willo Game, Fresh & Tasty Microgreens, Radnor Hills, Robot Coupe and Friedr Dick GmbH & Co. 

Judges who supported the Welsh International Culinary Championship with Culinary Association of Wales president Arwyn Watkins, OBE.

Jordan Howorth receives the Ecolab hygiene award from Edward Wilkins, Ecolab’s district manager.

Culinary Association of Wales Awards Evening and Gala Dinner at the ICC Wales.
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
PB008-2025

Ends

For more information, please contact Arwyn Watkins, OBE, on Tel: 07831 697494, Alison Collingridge, marketing manager, on Tel: 01938 555 893 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations consultant, on Tel: 01686 650818.

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