{"id":444296,"date":"2025-09-22T22:53:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T22:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/444296\/"},"modified":"2025-09-22T22:53:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T22:53:14","slug":"full-list-of-aa-hospitality-awards-winners-2025-in-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/444296\/","title":{"rendered":"Full list of AA Hospitality Awards winners 2025 in Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>From a hotel by the sea to a Michelin star restaurant in the capital &#8211; there are some impressive names in this year&#8217;s awards<\/p>\n<p>23:00, 22 Sep 2025Updated 23:02, 22 Sep 2025<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1_St-Brides-Spa-Hotel-Saundersfoot-Infinity-Edge-Vitality-PoolJPG.jpg\" alt=\"The infinity pool at St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>The infinity pool at St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot(Image: St Brides Spa Hotel\/Daily Express)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Welsh restaurants and hotels were among the big winners at this year\u2019s AA Hospitality Awards, with five awards being given to some <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/all-about\/things-to-do-wales\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">well known favourites in Wales.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">The annual ceremony, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London and hosted by broadcaster Vernon Kay, recognises <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/whats-on\/food-drink-news\/50-best-restaurants-wales-2025-11608913\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">the best of the UK\u2019s hospitality<\/a> industry across 18 categories, including hotels, restaurants, wine lists, and individual contributions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">It was a strong result for Wales, with several chefs and hotels recognised alongside some of the most<a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/whats-on\/food-drink-news\/\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\"> well known names in the industry.<\/a> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/?view=Solus&amp;mailingListId=f81ad470-dcdf-46d8-bced-ef028cdfb4b8&amp;utm_source=solusarticle\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">our food and drink newsletter here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Full list of Welsh winners<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">This year\u2019s AA Hospitality Awards in Wales have gone to:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"walesonline\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">AA Chefs\u2019 Chef of the Year 2025: Gareth Ward, Ynyshir, Eglwys Fach<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales: Gorse, Cardiff<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">AA Hotel of the Year for Wales: St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">AA Wine Award for Wales: Ynyshir, Eglwys Fach<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">New 3 Rosettes: Gorse, Cardiff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_Chef-Gareth-Ward-who-runs-Ynyshir-in-Machynlleth.jpg\" alt=\"Chef Gareth Ward who runs Ynyshir near Machynlleth\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Chef Gareth Ward who runs Ynyshir near Machynlleth<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Taking home one of the evening\u2019s most prestigious accolades, Gareth Ward of Ynyshir has been named AA Chefs\u2019 Chef of the Year 2025, an award voted for exclusively by his peers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Known for his bold, boundary-pushing approach to modern dining, Gareth has transformed Ynyshir into one of the UK\u2019s most exciting culinary destinations, combining Japanese influences with the finest Welsh produce.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Ynyshir also claimed the AA Wine Award for Wales, praised for the quality and creativity of its wine pairings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">In <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/all-about\/cardiff\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Cardiff<\/a>, Gorse was named AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales and also secured a place among the UK\u2019s most highly rated restaurants with the award of three AA Rosettes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1_230123-Gorse-Cardiff-Wales-United-Kingdom.jpg\" alt=\"Chef with chopsticks\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Chef Tom Waters of Gorse in Pontcanna recommended that people headed to Heathcock on a Sunday evening(Image: Matthew Horwood)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">It has been a great year for the restaurant, which also <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/whats-on\/tiny-welsh-restaurant-awarded-michelin-30976392\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">received its first Michelin star this year<\/a> after just eight months after opening its doors in May 2024.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Completing the list of Welsh winners at the AA awards, St Brides Spa Hotel in <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/all-about\/pembrokeshire\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Pembrokeshire<\/a> has been crowned AA Hotel of the Year for Wales, recognised for its high standards of service, facilities, and overall guest experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">The full list of winners and newly awarded Rosette holders is available on RatedTrips.com and in the AA Restaurant Guide 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">The Rising Star Award, newly introduced this year, recognises individuals in hospitality who demonstrate exceptional promise and potential in their field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Nataliia Maiseionok, Sommelier at Fischer&#8217;s Baslow Hall and winner of the AA Rising Star Award, relocated from Ukraine in 2022, arriving to the UK with limited English but extensive hospitality experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">She began her career as a waitress at Fischer\u2019s Baslow Hall, working her way up to Sommelier through self-funded education.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">On her win she said: \u201cWinning this award means that I\u2019ve been on the right path and the effort, dedication, and commitment I\u2019ve invested in gaining knowledge in a field I\u2019m truly passionate about has not been in vain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">\u201cI feel genuinely at home in this profession, and while there is still so much more to learn, this only adds to the joy because for a true explorer, discovery is the greatest reward.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">\u201cI see this not as the final destination, but as a powerful step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, praised the UK\u2019s hospitality sector for its resilience and innovative spirit in 2025: &#8220;This celebration highlights the passion, creativity and resilience that define UK hospitality.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">\u201cThe teams have turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us with their innovation and dedication.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"walesonline\">\u201cCongratulations to all winners, nominees and new Rosette holders \u2013 your achievements deserve recognition today and set a shining example for the future of our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From a hotel by the sea to a Michelin star restaurant in the capital &#8211; there are some&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":444297,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5010],"tags":[748,9315,4884,280,16,15,1764],"class_list":{"0":"post-444296","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wales","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-fun-stuff","10":"tag-great-britain","11":"tag-restaurants","12":"tag-uk","13":"tag-united-kingdom","14":"tag-wales"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115250411239111585","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/444296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=444296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/444296\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/444297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=444296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=444296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=444296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}