Celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day with Welsh Food and Drink

Often described as Wales’ answer to Valentine’s Day, St Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated on 25 January and is a perfect excuse to embrace romance with a distinctly Welsh flavour. 

Whether you’re planning a cosy night in or a special meal to share, Welsh food and drink offer warmth, tradition, and heartfelt comfort — all very much in the spirit of love.

Who Was St Dwynwen?

St Dwynwen is the patron saint of lovers in Wales. According to legend, she lived on Llanddwyn Island, where she devoted her life to helping others find happiness in love after her own romance ended sadly. Today, her story is remembered as one of kindness, compassion, and emotional resilience — making her day about meaningful connection rather than grand gestures.

A Welsh-Inspired St Dwynwen’s Day Menu

Start with Something Comforting

Cawl, Wales’ national dish, is a wonderful way to begin a winter evening. This slow-cooked stew of lamb or beef with root vegetables is hearty, nourishing, and ideal for sharing — perfect for a January celebration that favours warmth over extravagance.

A Main Course Made for Sharing

Welsh lamb is world-renowned, and a simple roasted lamb dish with rosemary, garlic, and seasonal vegetables makes for an elegant yet unfussy centrepiece. Alternatively, Welsh rarebit — rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting — works beautifully for a more relaxed, bistro-style St Dwynwen’s supper.

Cheese, Crackers, and Conversation

A Welsh cheese board brings romance down to earth in the best possible way. Look for classics such as Caerphilly, Perl Las, or a strong Welsh cheddar, served with oatcakes, chutney, and perhaps a few slices of apple or pear.

Sweet Treats with a Welsh Twist

No St Dwynwen’s Day is complete without something sweet. Welsh cakes, especially when served warm with butter or a dusting of sugar, are a simple but heartfelt dessert. For something a little more traditional, bara brith — the much-loved fruit loaf — pairs beautifully with a cup of tea and a quiet moment together.

Drinks to Toast Welsh Love

Raise a glass to love with a Welsh drink to match your menu:

Welsh craft beers for a relaxed, pub-style celebration

Welsh gin, often infused with botanicals inspired by the local landscape

Welsh mead, rich with honeyed history and romance

Or a small dram of Penderyn Distillery whisky for a warming, indulgent finish

More Than Romance

St Dwynwen’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to couples. It’s equally suited to celebrating friendships, long-standing partnerships, or simply taking a moment to appreciate warmth, kindness, and connection during the darker days of winter.

With comforting food, locally inspired drinks, and a nod to Welsh heritage, celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day is less about pressure and perfection, and more about sharing something heartfelt, together.

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