Britain’s smallest town, Llanwrtyd Wells, famous for its bog snorkelling and man versus horse race, now has another claim to national fame.
The Mid Wales town’s Lasswade Country House and Restaurant has won a prestigious national award from the Considerate Hoteliers Association.
Owners Roger and Emma Stevens travelled to London to collect the Sustainable Food Award of the Year from celebrity chef Raymond Blanc at a ceremony hosted by the Dorchester Hotel. The award is given for commitment to using locally produced food.
The four-star hotel held off strong competition from the Bingham at Richmond upon Thames, The Nurse’s Cottage at Sway in the New Forest and The Queensberry Hotel, Bath.
Professor John Forte, one of the judges, praised the Lasswade for being a role model within the tourism industry.
It’s the Lasswade’s second triumph in the annual awards, having previously won the “Sustain Food Challenge” in 2008.
Mr Stevens was also recently decorated by the French Ambassador for his services to cooking, receiving the Maitrise Escoffier Medal.
“This has been a lifetime’s achievement and I am so proud to be awarded this top accolade within my profession,” he said. “It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
He has also been nominated to be a food and tourism ambassador for the Cambrian Mountains Trust in Mid Wales, created by the Prince of Wales. This trust is achieving charitable status for community regeneration and Mr Stevens is one of the first five trustees.
Mr and Mrs Stevens established Lasswade Country House in 2001. The eight-bedroom hotel has two AA rosettes, holds the Visit Wales Green Dragon Award, has been an Eco Tourism Business leader for some eight years and is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
The hotel is a long-standing member of Mid Wales Tourism, an independent organisation representing the tourism and hospitality industry in Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd.
Chief executive Val Hawkins said: “This award is not only great news for the Lasswade Hotel but also a superb advert for the top quality, locally produced food and high culinary standards now on offer in Mid Wales.”
PICTURE: Roger and Emma Stevens receive their award from Raymond Blanc.