A Spontaneous Pembrokeshire Lunch: The Rowan Tree Café at Dewslake Farm

If you caught my recent article about our wanderings around the magnificent Carew Castle, you’ll know we worked up quite an appetite exploring all that wonderful Pembrokeshire history.

When the exploring was done, the sea air had done its job, and we found ourselves in desperate need of a good sit-down and something delicious to eat.

We didn’t have a firm plan, preferring to see where the local roads would take us. On an absolute whim, we stumbled upon the Rowan Tree Café—and what a brilliant find it turned out to be.

A Hidden Gem at Dewslake Farm

Tucked away just a short distance from the castle, the Rowan Tree Café is actually part of the Dewslake Farm camping and glamping site.

From the moment we walked through the doors, the vibe was just right. It has that authentic, rustic charm you hope to find in the Welsh countryside.

It is one of those places that instantly wraps you in a warm, welcoming hug. The setting is lovely, offering a cozy, relaxed atmosphere that feels like the perfect antidote to a busy morning on your feet.

But a great setting is nothing without great people, and the staff here were absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about creating a welcoming space for both locals and travellers.

The Menu: Discovering “The Sticky Pig”

The Rowan Tree Café has a stellar reputation for serving up amazing, hearty breakfasts. Looking at the plates going past our table, I could completely understand why.

I loved the names on the cooked breakfasts, ranging from The Full Welsh to The Mighty Oak and The Mighty Elm. The word mighty being the operative word.

However, as we were there right in the middle of the day, our eyes were firmly fixed on the lunch menu.

One item instantly jumped out at us: The Sticky Pig.

If the name alone doesn’t pique your interest, the reality of the dish absolutely will.

When it arrived, it was a masterclass in flavour and texture. The centerpiece is perfect thick-sliced belly pork, generously coated in a sweet and savoury Asian honey glaze.

This rich, melt-in-the-mouth pork is served atop a thick slice of crusty barra gallega bread, which acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up those incredible juices.

To cut through the richness of the meat, the dish is balanced beautifully with a very generous helping of sharp pickles and fresh, crunchy slaw.

It was an absolute triumph—exactly the kind of comforting, satisfying food you crave after a long morning of walking, leaving us utterly content but secretly wishing we had room for just one more bite.

As a side we shared a bowl of perfectly crisp Sidewinder Fries.

Oh, and I must talk about their coffees.

I had a cappuccino whilst I waited for the meal. If you know me you know I love my coffee and can say that this cappuccino was absolutely perfect and hit the spot!

Why You Should Visit

Sometimes, the very best travel experiences are the ones you don’t plan for. If you ever find yourself in this beautiful corner of Pembrokeshire—perhaps after your own visit to Carew Castle or if you happen to be staying in a bell tent at Dewslake Farm—do yourself a favour and drop into the Rowan Tree Café.

Whether you go early for one of their legendary breakfasts or stop by later to tackle The Sticky Pig yourself, you are in for a genuine Pembrokeshire treat.