Plenty of Pembrokeshire eateries came up trumps at the annual Food Awards Wales 2023 last night - which gave the winning owners a chance to dine out themselves!
The awards ceremony, held on Monday, June 26 at The Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, recognised and rewarded the talent and hard work of the Welsh food industry, highlighting the best restaurants, takeaways, pubs, cafes, and producers.
The winners were selected based on the votes of the public, who nominated their favourite establishments across various categories, including - Restaurant of the Year, Gastro Pub of the Year, Chef of the Year and Best Street Food amongst others.
The Awards aimed to recognise excellence across various categories, showcase the best food establishment that Wales has to offer and promote the country’s industry, celebrating its diversity and quality.
‘Best Asian Food Establishment’ went to Nora’s Kitchen at Tenby’s Market Hall, who posted on their Facebook page after picking up the award: “We came for the Food Awards not expecting to win - so we decided to come anyway for a date night because we have not have a date for three years...and look what happened, we won!” said Nora and Richard Gower who founded the business back in 2017.
“Thank you to each everyone of you who have voted for us. What a fantastic awards night. Pembrokshire, was definitely rocking the stage!
“Congratulations to all winners and thank you once again to everyone who have voted for us.”
Another nearby restaurant that scooped an award was Rib and Oyster in Kilgetty, whose owners Gavin and Lucie Davies and team picked up ‘Best Seafood Establishment’.
Apparently there was no speech at the presentation from fishmonger Gavin, just his own rendition of ‘Calon Lân’ on the microphone to the whole room!
“Thank you, every single person who voted. We appreciate you all!” they shared on social media.
No stranger to awards, the sister restaurant of the Dragon Palace in Pentlepoir, Lokky’s Pan-Asian restaurant located in Wooden on the outskirts of Saundersfoot and Pentlepoir were awarded ‘Chef of the Year’.
Elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, ‘Best Hotel Restaurant’ went to the Begelly Arms Hotel; whilst The Boars Head in Templeton near Narberth won ‘Gastro Pub of the Year South West’; and ‘Outstanding Restaurant of the Year’ was won by JT Abergwaun Hotel in Fishguard.
Nearby in Pendine, the Lotus Restaurant and Takeaway picked up not one, but two awards, winning ‘Best Oriental Establishment’ and ‘South West Restaurant of the Year’.
Kim Chin and Greg Durban of the establishment said: “We appreciate the support of all our fantastic customers and suppliers who have helped Lotus achieve these awards - thank you everyone!”
A spokesperson for The Food Awards Wales 2023 said: “We received an overwhelming response from the public, who nominated some fantastic establishments across the region.
“These awards are a testament to the passion and dedication of the country’s food industry, and the hard work of those who provide exceptional culinary experiences to their customers. The winners should be proud of their achievement, as they represent the very best of the Welsh food scene, and are a true reflection of the quality and diversity of the industry.
“Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists, who have demonstrated excellence in their respective categories.”