What I like about eating local (including being closer to where I live)
I live in a small (yet expanding) village, in Wales. I find eating in local pubs and restaurants easier, than searching out for chain restaurants. This might be because it’s easier to get to, I know the location and it’s always nice when I bump into friends I know and catch up with.
Local pubs tend to be smaller in size and have their own choice of food and specials, so even if they have a sister pub (same landlord, different pub) they tend to have slightly different menus and prices.
I also find local pubs make it easier, as a disabled person, to access because I find it hard going further than where I live most of the time. So when going to a chain pub that tends to be further away and it makes it harder for me to get there, especially as I don’t drive and rely on lifts, or my bus pass..
Some negatives of eating nearby (including different menus, difficult parking and higher prices)
Some of the negative side of local pubs include having a car park that is smaller so when locals try and get a space it is harder, especially on rugby and football big matches such as the yearly Rugby 6 Nations and all major football matches.
In the opposite direction, when it’s a quiet time sometimes visiting an empty pub can be lonely, whereas major chains around the country tend to have an influx of customers all year round and at lots of different times.
The chains also tend to have the same menu, and mostly cheaper prices in all their restaurants, so if you’ve been before you know roughly what to expect on the menu
My final verdict
Although I do like eating and drinking local, supporting local landlords and keeping their businesses open. I am definitely open to, when I’m in the city such as Cardiff, popping into the local wetherspoons for a quick drink or bite to eat. I am not completely dismissive of chain restaurants if I am nearby, but I openly choose mostly my local pub when I can.
LOCAL CHAINS NEARBY (LINKS):
Brewers Fayre: https://www.brewersfayre.co.uk/
Toby Carvery: https://www.tobycarvery.co.uk/
Wetherspoons: https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/
I love going to costa when the weather changes, nothing says Fall like a hot chocolate or coffee (latte, size; medium). The store is always decorated lovely &
This is a winter Staple for most people. I find in the winter I just want to curl up with a nice hot chocolate, watch some TV or read a good book. Hot Chocolate gives me the image of a person curled up in a baggy winter knit clutching a mug smiling. There is a particular brand I use but there are many out there to choose from, so please try a few different choices before you pick your new favourite.
This is the ultimate Winter meal that is currently (2018) available at your local Wetherspoons, in Wales (UK). It is on the speciality menu for Wales, celebrating Welsh Local Produce. I myself have tried this particular dish on a hot summer day but it is perfect for a Winter dish. It is effectively a lamb & vegetable soup. I find it gorgeous tasting & very rich in flavour. I recommend this dish to anyone visiting Wales in the winter to try it out. Honestly, you won’t regret it, I promise.