‘Christmas’inJulyison the menu at Welsh bar
THE owners of a Welsh bar 11,000 miles away are hosting Christmas Day in July – to provide a cosy Welsh welcome on the other side of the world.
Punters visiting the Welsh Dragon Bar in Wellington, New Zealand, will be treated to a festive feast and even a Queen’s speech.
It is the brainchild of co-owner Andrew Jones and general manager Hannah Williams to remind customers of Christmas gatherings in Wales.
The pub and restaurant is decked out in tinsel along with a Christmas tree and seasonal songs played over the speakers.
And the weather outside is raining and 10°C – just like a typical British winter day.
Andrew, originally from Tonyrefail, said: “I worked for the previous owners for around eight or nine years.
“They were looking to retirement so sold to myself and two of our Welsh regulars – Matt from Cowbridge and Angela from Brecon.
“Hannah is the general manager from Wrexham and runs the pub amazingly.”
Guests arriving at the boozer are greeted with a mimosa or mulled wine before enjoying a stater of leek and potato soup.
The lunch is a full roast turkey dinner complete with pigs in blankets, crispy roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings. Grandma’s trifle is served up for dessert, while Santa pays a visit and one of the regulars performs a Queen’s speech.
The bar features a touch of Wales all year round with flags, rugby and football shirts and plenty of Welsh booze on tap.
Andrew said: “As well as Brains we also stock a large variety of Penderyn whiskies, gins, vodka and rums.
“We also have a large shipment of Wrexham lager about to arrive.
“We are always looking for ways to promote Welsh products at the pub, but being on the other side of the world makes the logistics of that a lot harder.
“We are particularly excited to see the return of Welsh tourists to the pub. We have missed the accents, singing and humour over these Covid years.
“There is a Welsh welcome awaiting them in Wellington and jobs for anyone looking to work with us.”