A pub in Maesteg that deems itself the 'Oldest Pub in Wales' has won the award for Pub of the Year at the National Pub and Bar Awards 2023. The historic The Old House 1147, which underwent a massive transformation in 2021 from tired 12th century pub to modern-day wedding venue and hotel that has retained the age-old character with original parts of the building, was recognised at the prestigious awards on Wednesday, June 28, at a ceremony that took place in London.
The winners were announced on Twitter as the night went on with The Running Horses in Mickleham in Surrey named the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year.
Co-owned by Steffan Jones and his parents Sian and Jeff, who bought the centuries old Grade II listed venue in 2017, The Old House 1147 is an idyllic venue located just two miles from Maesteg in the village of Llangynwyd which is nestled in the Llynfi Valley, and has views of Y Gadlys and Mynydd Baiden.
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The owners transformed the thatched-roof pub, which included original fireplaces, flagstone walls and other original features covered in rendering - although the beautiful thatched roof has remained in place over the years.
Sharing this accolade on its social media, the pub wrote about their win: "Last night, at The National Pub & Bar Awards ceremony in London, we were delighted to not only be recognised as one of the best pubs in Britain, we were also awarded BEST PUB IN WALES! We are immensely proud of our entire team, their hard work, and their unwavering commitment to The Old House 1147. THANK YOU!"
As well as being a stunning wedding venue with towering glass windows that overlook the rolling Welsh hills, its pub restaurant also serves up some delicious sounding classics for lunch and dinner. Items on the menu include fish and chips, a steak burger, pie of the day, sweet potato curry, Welsh lamb rump and more and has a focus on Welsh produce. Its starters include Welsh rarebit, sticky Welsh pork, Welsh cider mussels, Glamorgan rissoles and bread with Welsh salted butter.
For the full list of winners, see here.
