A Mid Wales inn, which was named AA Pub /Inn of the Year for Wales in 2018, has added another accolade to its collection at the inaugural Mid Wales Tourism Awards.

The Nags Head Inn, Garthmyl, near Montgomery collected the Best Place to Eat or Drink accolade at a glittering awards ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown, which was attended by Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas. Compere was Welsh tourism personality Jonathan Jones, CBE.

The business goes forward to represent Mid Wales at the National Tourism Awards for Wales in May 2020.

Designed to celebrate and showcase the region’s exceptional tourism industry, the biennial awards were organised and managed by MWT Cymru on behalf of Mid Wales Tourism Forum and supported by Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism arm. A dedicated Tourism Awards Advisory Group was established specifically to assist with the awards.

Amy Clark, manager of The Nags Head Inn, said:

“We are overwhelmed by this award and we can’t thank our customers enough for their loyal support. We also thank the staff for their dedication and hard work.

“The awards event has been fabulous, and the hospitality and service have been outstanding.”

The Nags Head Inn has held an AA rosette for culinary excellence for three years, underlining the consistency of its restaurant and the enthusiasm and creativity of its chefs. The business also holds the AA breakfast award and its kitchen has a five-star hygiene rating.

An AA inspector describes The Nags Head’s food offer as ‘classical and modern cooking by the Severn’, using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible. The expansive restaurant, which leads to a sun terrace, is open from 12 noon until 9pm.

Last year, The Nags Head won the AA Pub /Inn of the Year for Wales award, which is presented to the pub/inn recognised as being the most outstanding in this particular market.

The business employs 10 full-time and 19 part-time, local members of staff, including 11 under the age of 18 years. James and Alison Divall took over The Nags Head three years ago and have appointed manager Amy Clarke to run the business, which employs local tradespeople and suppliers wherever possible.

The Nags Head is also doing its bit to reduce its carbon footprint by recycling glass, plastic and cardboard waste and lights are set on timers to cut energy usage.

Runners up for the award were The Granary, Newtown and Y Crochan Café at Corris Craft Centre.

Granted an Awards Trust Mark by the Independent Awards Standards Council, the awards were open to all businesses, organisations and individuals who contribute to tourism within Mid Wales.

MWT Cymru is the regional destination marketing and membership organisation for Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd district of Southern Snowdonia. As a not-for-profit social enterprise company, MWT Cymru supports and represents more than 550 tourism businesses and organisations across the region.