This month, knowing that we would be travelling to Aberystwyth, we made a unanimous decision to visit Medina as the base for our monthly meeting.

We had visited Medina before (it is a restaurant that celebrated its 7th birthday earlier this year).

Several times.

We decided that was even more of a reason to share everything we knew about this gem of a Welsh business with as many people as possible.

If you are a fan of fresh local produce, middle eastern and Mediterranean food, or (like me) Ottolenghi-inspired dishes, you will not be disappointed.

The menu is fresh, exciting, and different.

The food is made in-house, including the bread, cakes, and pastries, and you can tell.

We spent significant time deliberating over what to choose from the menu. Having decided that we couldn’t choose everything from the menu - though you may not tell, we settled for the Halloumi, honey, za’atar kebab, the Merguez sausages, and mint yoghurt with the roasted aubergine salad and the beetroot, orange, rocket, and walnut salad. For dessert, Baklava and Turkish delight selection and the affogato – halva ice cream and espresso. 

We were not disappointed and would highly recommend it.

Medina’s celebration of fresh, local, and seasonal produce and their support for local food and drinks producers is evident not just in their restaurant but also in their shop, a stone’s throw away from the restaurant. With freshly baked bread, pastries, and gorgeous Welsh produce courtesy of producers such as Blaencamel Organic Farm, Penlanlas Fruit Farm, Ystwyth Valley Eggs, and Llaeth Teulu Jenkins Family Milk. They also source many of their wines from Dylanwad Wines of Dolgellau.

As well as supporting local food and drinks producers and businesses, Medina is proud of the way they have provided employment opportunities to the local community; the team has now grown to 50 staff!

In recognition of their contribution to the Aberystwyth community and the innovation and leadership they showed during the lockdown, Medina was the worthy winner of an Aber First Award, an award designed to acknowledge the hard work and outstanding contributions of businesses in the Aberystwyth area.

Very richly deserved!

Sara Griffiths