Celebrating Welsh food and drink

38 @specialityfood BlasusWelshcakes SARAH JONES Based in the Carmarthenshire countryside, Blasus Welshcakes is a family-run business, where the tradition of Welsh baking is at the heart of all they do. Blasus began in 2016, when founder Sarah began bakingWelshcakes to sell at local markets. Her small-batch, handmade approach quickly gained a following, and in 2022 Blasus introduced a refreshed look that reflects the brand’s growing presence while staying true to its authentic roots. BlasusWelshcakes’ range has evolved from the traditional Welshcakes to an exciting arrangement of unique flavours, offering something to cater to everyone’s taste. They celebrate the traditional taste of Welshcakes loved inWelsh households for generations, and also enjoy adding fresh new twists to the original flavour. EveryWelshcake is crafted using locally sourcedWelsh ingredients, includingWelsh free-range eggs, Welshmilk, even iconicWelsh spirits, namely PenderynWhisky and Merlyn liqueur, giving theirWelshcakes a distinctive and authenticWelsh feeling. What sets Blasus apart in themarketplace is their commitment to quality and authenticity. EveryWelshcake is handmade with love in small batches, ensuring freshness, consistency and a uniquely artisanal finish. They are also deeply committed to caring for the environment by using eco-friendly packaging, reflecting their respect for the landscape that shapes their identity, as well as the identity of Wales. BlasusWelshcakes is proudlyWelsh – rooted in local tradition, fuelled by local ingredients, and inspired by the flavours and craftmanship of Wales. blasuswelshcakes.co.uk Brace’s Bakery STEVE CHAPMAN George Brace began baking in Pontllanfraith in the eastern valleys of Monmouthshire in 1902. With help from his family, hemanaged to build a bakery and deliver the bread while still working at the Cambrian Colliery in the nearby Rhondda valley. Disaster struck at the colliery in 1905 and he vowed never to work at the pit again. Throughout the last century, the bakery continued to supply a growing number of wholesale and retail customers in theWelsh valleys. Brace’s Bakerymanufactures a wide variety of baked products including tin loaves, Welsh Legends speciality breads including Tiger Loaf and High Protein Seeded Wholemeal Bread, rolls and bakery treats. Brace’s has also produced a brand new Sourdough range called Ernest 100%Welsh Sourdough – inspired by the recipes of Ernest Brace who was at the forefront of the business during the 1920s. Rooted in the heart of the valleymining communities, the Brace’s team is immensely proud of itsWelsh identity. In addition to founder George Brace’sWelshmining heritage, his brother, WilliamBrace, became a prominent miners’ activist who was electedMP in 1906 in the Lloyd George government, representing Abertillery. That proudWelsh heritage continues today. Brace’s now employs more than 200 people –most from the local area and supports as many local charities, sports teams, and businesses as possible. Their commitment toWales is also reflected in theWelsh names found across their products and packaging, including CwmFelin, Tiger Bay, Gwynny, Vortigern, Bute, and Brecon Baps. bracesbakery.co.uk BAKERY, CAKES & BISCUITS