Latest news with #WrexhamLager
Leader Live
14 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse announces Wrexham Lager partnership
Wrexham Lager Beer Company has signed a three-year deal with Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, giving the brewer exclusive pouring rights until 2028. The agreement will see Wrexham Lager served on draught, in 440ml cans, and in 330ml bottles across the racecourse, including its Pilsener and Export varieties. Jon Roberts, interim chief executive officer of The Wrexham Lager Beer Company, said: "We're proud to announce this new partnership. "Wrexham Lager has been a supporter of Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse for many years now, and we're delighted to strengthen our relationship even further. "Tucked away in Wales' picturesque countryside, Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is a true hidden gem, so we're delighted that guests can now enjoy our premium lager as they experience the excitement on the track. "The partnership is another great opportunity to continue supporting Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse and to provide award-winning Wrexham Lager to racegoers who value quality, craftsmanship and authenticity." First brewed in 1882, Wrexham Lager is the oldest lager brand in the UK and continues to use traditional Bavarian methods in its brewing process. The partnership will also include prominent branding on-site and across racecourse promotional materials. Kate Dawson, commercial director at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, said: "We're thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership between Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse and Wrexham Lager – a collaboration that brings together two proudly local and historic businesses. "Bangor-on-Dee has been welcoming racegoers since 1859 and Wrexham Lager, established in 1881, remains a beloved brand with deep roots in the community. "As a successful family-run business, Wrexham Lager perfectly complements the racecourse experience, and we're delighted to showcase their products to our guests. "This agreement reinforces our shared commitment to delivering outstanding experiences in North Wales."
Leader Live
7 days ago
- Leader Live
The Druid Inn: Food at award-winning Flintshire pub
The much-loved Druid Inn, located in the quiet little village of Gorsedd, was crowned the winner in the 'refurbishment' category of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025. After closing down in June 2023, it was announced a month later that Jerry Brunning had purchased the historic Druid Inn, at Gorsedd near Holywell, for his Pubs Ltd group. General manager Ray Faulder-Jones then stepped in to the role early last year before the pub - rumoured to date back to the 12th century - re-opened during in March 2024. Now, one year on, the venue has become a vital community hub offering plenty of events and great food for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. As soon as I entered the Druid Inn, it was clear to see that it offers a cosy environment to its guests and, I have to say also, that staff members were very welcoming and attentive from the moment I stepped through the door. I attended at around midday (having not done my usual of checking the menu beforehand!), so I was met with a surprise. I'm your standard burger and chips/fish and chips man for the most part, but I thought I would go with something more adventurous this time around. The candle-lit table for one was set and I noticed that there was also a brochure for the upcoming events at the pub also neatly tucked away on the table, again displaying the team's care for its community. So, as I read about upcoming BBQ's and Beer and Cider Festival, I also made my choice of what I was going to eat. For my starter, I opted for the wild mushroom and pearl barley risotto, with truffle oil and crispy onions (£9). This reporter enjoyed a quiet meal for one at the Druid Inn! (Image: Newsquest) While, as I said, this was perhaps something I would not often go for, I very much enjoyed it. For what was deemed as a starter, it was a more-than-generously sized portion that was full of flavour and the onions added a crispy twist to the delicateness of the risotto. To accompany it, I had an ever-reliable Wrexham Lager - but for the true ale lovers there is a vast array of great dark and pale ale options to enjoy, and, of course, plenty of whisky, gins, wines and more to quench a guest's thirst also. RELATED READING For the main meal, I ordered the wild garlic gnocchi, with heritage tomatoes, summer vegetable fricassee and marinated feta (£17). The gnocchi itself was absolutely delicious and the tomatoes accompanied it very well to offer up a taste sensation. The vegetable fricassee in which it sat was also a delight and the feta topped off what was a wonderfully unique dish. The main meal at the Druid Inn. (Image: Newsquest) It's worth pointing out that, although I enjoyed a meat free feast this time around, there are also plenty of traditional pub dishes on offer from steak and ale pie to beer battered haddock. The two dishes I enjoyed were filling enough for me to skip dessert - but there are plenty of delights in that respect too, including a heavenly-sounding chocolate and almond cake with salted caramel ice cream. As I paid for the bill, I was also handed a mini slice of home-made flapjack, which was a nice touch and, once again, lovely. I enjoyed my short stay at what was a memorable venue all around, from the pub itself to the staff who made me feel welcome. With regular Sunday morning strolls, farmers markets and live music options on offer, it's fair to say that the Druid Inn has become a home for the community in Gorsedd. And it's national recognition this week is fully deserved too. Long may their success continue.
North Wales Live
14-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
I tried an angelic café in North Wales city centre and found a little taste of heaven
Heaven Coffee Shop on Lord Street has become very popular with visitors to Wrexham, since Adam and Malgorzata took over the cafe in 2018. Adam and Malgorzata moved to the UK in 2004 and started their new life together in Wrexham. Malgorzata used to work at the former Lord Street Café and enjoyed it so much, that they made the decision to take over and open the café doors as 'Heaven Coffee Shop'. The café is near the arc sculpture landmark on Lord Street. The statue portrays a miner and a steelworker on brick plinths, feet astride two steel arcs. They are at full stretch, each trying to bend the arc to meet at the top. The statue represents the toil and collectiveness of manual work. With the closures of the mines, these self-sufficient communities had to find a new role in the world. Wrexham has seen a lot of cafes and pubs open up via the leisure industry in the last few years and there are a lot of food and drink options in the area. In 2021, the café was doing so well that they took over the lease of the shop next door to give 'Heaven' more space. Yes, you will always need a bit more space in heaven. This heavenly coffee shop was really busy when we popped in through its pearly gates for a bite to eat. The owners were chatting and hugging a few returning locals, giving the place, a close community feel. Adam and Malgorzata have created a small friendly vibe so that people feel comfortable. They have even added a children's corner, which has been a popular hit with parents. This homely feeling spills out into Lord Street, with outdoor seating areas amid colourful potted plants. The plant theme continues inside the café, with greenery on light fittings with hanging plants draped all over the walls. We chose a spot near the window, the perfect place to people-watch whilst perusing the menu. The coffee shop seems to offer light snacks such as jacket potatoes, sandwiches and sweet and savoury crepes. The dessert menu looked fabulous with sweet waffles and American style pancakes with ingredients such as Nutella, Tutti Frutti and Haribo. No wonder families with children like this place so much. There are a lot of affordable 'meal deals' such as two burgers for £19,99 and all- day breakfasts starting from a small breakfast for £5.50, a large for £7.50 or a big monster fry up, which included three sausages and all the works for £11.50. There were plenty of veggie or vegan options available as well. Of course, the coffee shop has a vast array of drink options such as white-hot chocolate, the usual coffee options along with milkshakes and bubble tea. There was even good old 'Wrexham Lager' on draft behind the counter, if you fancied something a little bit stronger. We decided to take the two paninis for £12 offer as it seemed really good value. I went with one of my favourite simple fillings of brie and cranberry, whilst my wife went for a chicken, cheese, pesto and red onion version. The seared grill marks on the outside of Italian bread, opened up to reveal a gorgeous messy melted cheese. The gooey brie was topped with a tart cranberry sauce, with the toasted bread giving off a satisfying crunch. The Panini was well presented on bakery decorated greaseproof paper with cucumber, tomato and lettuce leaf on the side. My wife enjoyed the contrast of the strong red onion alongside the tang of the pesto and succulent chicken. Her hot-pressed sandwich was accompanied by a small side salad, which had a dark balsamic glaze squeezed artistically over the top. I ordered a super nutritious banana and strawberry smoothie for my drink option, which was thick, fresh and really refreshing. I sipped it slowly through a straw, as we watched the world, slowly drift by outside. My wife washed her tasty chicken panini down with a simple americano with hot milk. When I went over to pay the bill at the counter, I saw some heavenly and devilish looking cakes, such as red velvet, caramel cheesecake and some absolutely huge boulder scones packed with fruit and raisins. We somehow managed not to fall into temptation, but I was thinking about those lovely looking cakes all the way, on my journey home. It's no wonder that the angelic cafe is so busy, with high ratings from the loyal customer congregation, who keep returning for a little taste of heaven on Lord Street. The Facts Price - Panini offer £12, americano £2.50 and smoothie £3.99. The total price of the meal was £18.49 Atmosphere - Community family friendly vibe Car Parking- The island green car park is probably the nearest Service - Order at the counter but try not to look at the cakes
Leader Live
07-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Community award for woman who helped Wrexham market return
The F Jones Initiative award scheme recognises those who contribute most to the Wrexham community and was originally established by Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service. The latest winner is Fern Evans, who has helped bring the markets back to Wrexham. Fern started organising Wrexham's Street Market on her own in February 2023, which was a plant-based market with 18 stalls. It has since grown to have an average of 40 stalls, providing a regular opportunity for local businesses to trade and giving a much-needed boost to the city centre. The F Jones Initiative team said: "Fern has promoted the market and introduced different aspects, such as activities and entertainment. "There are different types of hot food, Jamaican, burgers, pizzas, vegetarian or vegan. Stalls sell local produce, sweet treats, handmade crafts and unique gifts." TOP STORIES They added: "About 95% of the traders are from within North Wales, there are no duplicate stalls, so people are not competing. "Fern has kept costs down and re-invested everything back into the market and although she has a stall of her own, she spends most of her time during the market ensuring traders and customers are happy. This has led to a real feeling of community and support." The street market is held the first Saturday of every month.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Welcome to Wrexham: How an Australian bar was saved by Wrexham's footballing rise
Wrexham's fairy tale success story under their Hollywood owners has seen the football club gain fans across the Atlantic. And that success has also helped a struggling Australian bar change its fortunes after being inspired by the Lane, a bar in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), adopted a Wrexham AFC theme three years ago, and even serves Wrexham has now become an unofficial home of the club's Aussie supporters ahead of the clubs summer tour to the country this year. "It's down to my friend Mike," said Dieter Steinbusch who owns the recommended the hit television series, Welcome To Wrexham, and the storyline "mirrors what I've tried to do with my bar", he Roberts has lived in Australia for 57 years, after moving from Wrexham when he was 10-years-old as a "Ten Pound Pom", a term used to describe British citizens who migrated to Australia and New Zealand after the Second World War. "Three years ago if I mentioned Wrexham, people would just look at you and they wouldn't have a clue," said Mike. "Now, I'm not joking one in three people not only know of the team, they actually follow the team, and it's just stunning." The bar boasts a mural of Wrexham's Hollywood owners Rob McElheney, Ryan Reynolds and club memorabilia .When Wrexham secured their third successive promotion to the Championship Dieter offered his customers free Wrexham Lager. "My punters like it," said Dieter, "it's like Aussie beer, but, I think it's better and it goes down very well."He said Wrexham fans in Sydney always visit the bar before they return home."When they come to visit, not that I've ever met them in my life, it's just like a family. It's brilliant," he said. Wrexham will play three pre-season fixtures against A-League opposition during a summer tour of Australia and New Parkinson's side will take on Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on 11 July before facing Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium four days north Wales side will then play Wellington Phoenix at the Sky Stadium on 19 July."We're going to Melbourne and we're going to go to Sydney," said Mike, adding: "but all of my friends, every single one of them, are going as well because they just love this thing." Mike believes there is no other football team in the world that has "done what Wrexham's done"."They've galvanised people somehow, it's amazing!"Dieter said the last time he felt this excited about a sporting event was watching Cathy Freeman win a gold medal for Australia in 2000 Sydney Olympics."I'll say this now is one of the biggest things besides that," he added. Dieter has built a friendship with Wayne Jones, the landlord of The Turf, which sits just outside Wrexham's customers have taken some items, such as a the York Lane t-shirt, from one landlord to another as the bond has grown."It's great to be so far away yet so so close," said previous series of Welcome to Wrexham, Rob and Ryan have popped in to the Turf for a few the fourth season on the horizon, Dieter and Mike are hoping they might make an appearance at York Lane in the near future."It's hard to find because it's down a little unique lane in Sydney," said Mike."It's not the sort of place you'd pass if you didn't know where it was." Dieter said Rob and Ryan would be "very, very welcome" adding that the Wrexham fans will always have a special place in his heart."Just come and find us. There will always be a welcome for you here."
