AN Eglwyswrw B&B has been nominated for a top national award.

Ael y Bryn is through to the finals of the AA B&B Awards 2017 and will be among the 24 finalists battling it out for the AA Friendliest B&B award at the annual ceremony at the London Landmark Hotel on May 8.

All the finalists were nominated by AA Inspectors who inspect and rate more than 2000 B&Bs throughout the United Kingdom. The winners will receive a certificate together with an engraved Villeroy and Boch decanter for all their guests to see.

Ael y Bryn, which already has a string of top awards to its name, is run by Robert Smith and Arwel Hughes.

“It came out of the blue to hear we had been nominated but we are delighted,” said Mr Hughes.

“We are in a stunning location, situated in the countryside and it is so peaceful with views across the Preseli Hills to Carn Ingli.

“It is hard work but we enjoy it and we get visitors from all over the world who keep coming back. We are constantly looking for where we can improve and thinking of the customers’ needs.”

The building itself, which has four spacious bedrooms, has an interesting history.

In 1942, the government Ministry of Works Department requisitioned two-and-a-half acres from Frochest Farm to build a hostel for agricultural workers.

The hostel was first occupied by the Women’s Land Army – women who had chosen to work on the farms rather than join the fighting services. When they moved to Croesgoch, near St. Davids, they were replaced by Irish workers.

The next to arrive were Italian prisoners of war and they occupied the hostel for most of the war.

Next came German prisoners of war. At the end of the war the prisoners left; they were followed by Polish ex-servicemen who had fought against Hitler and were in danger of their lives if they returned to Poland.

In 1952 the government returned ownership to Frochest Farm and the buildings were used for general agricultural use.

Robert and Arwel bought the buildings in 2000 and by then they were in a poor state of repair. The two wings were retained and two new link buildings for the entrance hall and library were constructed to form the inner courtyard and they opened for business back in 2004.

As a former Italian Prisoner of War camp in rural North Pembrokeshire, Ael y Bryn has undertaken a unique journey from a place of confinement to a welcoming, convivial home with a purr of contentment. Owners Robert Smith and Arwel Hughes have been friends for over 30 years and have been welcoming guests to Ael y Bryn since 2005. Not only are guests treated to the generous and thoughtful hospitality but also the sumptuous evening meals served in the spacious baronial dining all.

Ael y Bryn

TWO north Pembrokeshire hotels have been singled out for their excellence in the hospitality industry in this year’s Good Hotel Guide.

Ael y Bryn in Eglwyswrw has been awarded one of the guide’s ten César awards. Known as the Oscars of the hotel industry, these are presented to the guide’s most celebrated hoteliers who have demonstrated excellence in their field.

The bed and breakfast, run by Robert Smith and Arwel Hughes took the title of Welsh Guest House of the Year, it and was commended for its genuinely warm welcome, artwork, snug library and impressive breakfasts.

“This year’s César award winners reflect the rising standards of hotel-keeping across the country,” said the guide’s co-editors Adam Raphael and M. Astella. “All ten properties have been chosen for their immaculate service, warm welcome, fine hospitality and memorable individuality.”

Ael y Bryn has enjoyed Editor’s Choice status for value for the last two years but the owners had no idea that it had been singled out for a César. Unbeknown to them they were visited by a mystery shopper in March.

“We were surprised and delighted,” said Robert. “To be honest We didn’t expect anything. Once you’ve got the Editor’s Choice we thought that was probably it. It came completely out of the blue.”

Robert and Arwel received their award at the launch of the Good Hotel Guide in London last week and it is now proudly displayed in the hallway of Ael y Bryn.

“We do our best for visitors,” said Robert. “The award reflects our hard work, commitment and dedication to visitors. We have a high standard of quality and value. The food is legendary and our visitors keep coming back.”