17th July 2014
The Inn at Penallt has been awarded its second AA rosette just over four years after being saved from closure. Since reopening in April 2010, owners Jackie and Andrew Murphy and head chef Peter Hulsmann have built up a reputation for the warmth and friendliness of their service and excellent food. Along the way they were named AA pub of the year for Wales 2012/13, appeared in the latest Relish Wales cook book and are recommended in both The 2014 Michelin Guide to Eating Out and Hardens Restaurant Guide.
AA Rosettes are solely awarded by AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors. External influences from hotels, restaurants or other guides are not taken into account when awarding Rosettes.
Excellent restaurants that aim for and achieve higher standards and better consistency. A greater precision is apparent in the cooking, and there will be obvious attention to the selection of quality ingredients. Around 40% of restaurants/hotels within our AA Restaurant Guide have Two Rosettes.
[AA website]
Owner Andrew said “The recognition and our second rosette are fantastic and a great testament to Peter, Lyall and Dan in the kitchen and the lengths they go to to prepare and serve our food, from smoking their own duck and salmon to baking all our bread daily and even churning our own butter but the most satisfying part has been our wonderful customers who regularly visit – we are after all rather tucked away.”
Asked why The Inn had received the awards and what made it different, Andrew said “We have some fantastic restaurants and pubs in the County so the competition is great. We aim to balance the warmth and friendliness of a local pub with the standards of service and quality of food found in quality restaurants. Whether guests are visiting for a special occasion, a family gathering or a glass of wine and a pint, we appreciate they have chosen to come to The Inn and we work very hard to make sure the time spent with us is thoroughly enjoyable.”
Time Line
7.11.2009 – Sian is born
10.12.2009 – move into the pub at 12md – start pulling things apart at 12.01 – Sian in her carry cot
April 2010 – we re open
May 2012 – awarded our first rosette
Sept 2012 – Named AA pub of the Year for Wales 2012/13
October 2013 – listed in The Michelin Guide to Eating Out 2014
March 2014 – listed in Hardens Restaurant Guide 2014
July 2014 – Awarded our second AA rosette
12th February 2012
The Inn at Penallt has just learned that it has been awarded an AA rosette for the quality of its food
AA Rosettes are solely awarded by AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors. External influences from hotels, restaurants or other guides are not taken into account when awarding Rosettes.
One rosette restaurants achieve standards that stand out in their local area. They serve food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients. The same expectations apply to hotel restaurants, where guests can eat in with confidence and a sense of anticipation.
[AA website]
The Inn received an over night visit on 7th/8th February from an anonymous AA inspector. Following his stay he graded the pub as a
Inn (mirroring the Visit Wales award last year) and awarded it one rosette for the quality of the food prepared and served as well.
The inspector spoke highly of the hospitality and service received (Matt Bristow was his waiter for the evening), the commitment to local produce and the fact that the pub saw itself as part of the local community. The latter is not an award criterion but was a personal observation from him.
Landlord Andrew Murphy added “Jackie and I are delighted and quite taken aback; it was unexpected and not something we had considered. We are also very very pleased for Peter who, as well as being a fantastic chef, works tremendously hard and certainly deserves the recognition.
In 5 weeks’ time we will be entering our third year, which is rather scary (!), and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the village who has given us a tremendous amount of support, and who help to make the The Inn a friendly and welcoming place.”