01-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Pub near Powys town has been named the best in Wales
A Mid Wales pub was crowned champion in the Countryside Alliance Wales' 'Rural Oscars' ceremony while several other businesses were recognised.
The Countryside Alliance Awards, in their 18th year, held an awards ceremony in Cardiff on April 29 and crowned several Wales businesses as champions, including a historic Mid Wales pub that was named best pub.
Glan Yr Afon, in Pennal near Machynlleth, also known as The Riverside, was awarded the pub of the year prize after being nominated for the award earlier this year.
The award also comes after the historic pub was saved from closure a few years ago when a community-led initiative, backed by Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys, managed to raise more than £250,000.
Other Powys businesses who were recognised by finishing as runner ups or being highly commended in their categories include Rikki Lloyd 's Family Butchers in Welshpool, Gasm Drinks near Newtown, Fork Handles Tearoom in Llangedwyn, and Woosnam And Davies News in Llanidloes.
A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance said: 'This community pub was bought by the community for the community.
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'Its aim was to serve the needs of the locals and isolated farming families by providing a high-standard flexible facility open to every member of the Pennal community - and beyond.
'Trading began in 2023 after a difficult and challenging process, and progress has been fast and furious. Having managed to retain most of the staff, this has ensured continuous employment for many in this remote part of Wales.
'From Welsh lessons to the Thursday club for a group of men who meet weekly at the pub, this is a welcoming, vibrant place for all.
'The Glan Yr Afon under the leadership of Menter y Glan has become a poignant place for the community and is truly the beating heart of the area for locals.
'About to open in the garden is a chalet which is to become the village shop, stocking essentials and complementing the pub. From hosting speed shearing to local game shoots, this busy community pub has excelled to be crowned this year's Welsh champion.'
Rachel Evans, Director for Countryside Alliance Wales, added: "This evening we celebrate our rural communities and the role that you, the finalists, play in keeping them together.
"Your continuing promotion and defence of Welsh produce, skills and rural life deserves all the credit it gets and the Countryside Alliance is proud to be honouring a group of people who are passionate about their countryside and passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond.'
