By Bethany Gavaghan

Copyright walesonline

Welsh restaurants and hotels were among the big winners at this year’s AA Hospitality Awards, with five awards being given to some well known favourites in Wales. The annual ceremony, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London and hosted by broadcaster Vernon Kay, recognises the best of the UK’s hospitality industry across 18 categories, including hotels, restaurants, wine lists, and individual contributions. It was a strong result for Wales, with several chefs and hotels recognised alongside some of the most well known names in the industry. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here This year’s AA Hospitality Awards in Wales have gone to: Taking home one of the evening’s most prestigious accolades, Gareth Ward of Ynyshir has been named AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2025, an award voted for exclusively by his peers. Known for his bold, boundary-pushing approach to modern dining, Gareth has transformed Ynyshir into one of the UK’s most exciting culinary destinations, combining Japanese influences with the finest Welsh produce. Ynyshir also claimed the AA Wine Award for Wales, praised for the quality and creativity of its wine pairings. In Cardiff , Gorse was named AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales and also secured a place among the UK’s most highly rated restaurants with the award of three AA Rosettes. It has been a great year for the restaurant, which also received its first Michelin star this year after just eight months after opening its doors in May 2024. Completing the list of Welsh winners at the AA awards, St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire has been crowned AA Hotel of the Year for Wales, recognised for its high standards of service, facilities, and overall guest experience. The full list of winners and newly awarded Rosette holders is available on RatedTrips.com and in the AA Restaurant Guide 2026. The Rising Star Award, newly introduced this year, recognises individuals in hospitality who demonstrate exceptional promise and potential in their field. Nataliia Maiseionok, Sommelier at Fischer’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. She began her career as a waitress at Fischer’s Baslow Hall, working her way up to Sommelier through self-funded education. On her win she said: “Winning this award means that I’ve been on the right path and the effort, dedication, and commitment I’ve invested in gaining knowledge in a field I’m truly passionate about has not been in vain. “I 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. “I see this not as the final destination, but as a powerful step forward.” Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, praised the UK’s hospitality sector for its resilience and innovative spirit in 2025: “This celebration highlights the passion, creativity and resilience that define UK hospitality. “The teams have turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us with their innovation and dedication. “Congratulations to all winners, nominees and new Rosette holders – your achievements deserve recognition today and set a shining example for the future of our industry.”