
25 Nov 2024
How did a small vineyard hotel in rural South Wales win the AA’s Hotel of the Year 2022? Llanerch Vineyard was bought 12 years ago by a 24 year old entrepreneur who, despite having no experience in hospitality or business, wanted to build a wine tourism business, the likes of which he’d seen in New Zealand and Australia, in his hometown in Wales. The vineyard is now home to an award-winning restaurant, popular wine tasting and vineyard tours and a 37 bed hotel which is now the AA’s Hotel of the Year 2022, despite only opening in 2019. Dish Cult chats exclusively with Ryan Davies, the owner of Llanerch in Wales, about the brilliant achievement of this unique place.
Dish Cult: Huge congratulations on winning the AA’s Hotel of the Year. Was it an ambition to achieve this recognition?
Ryan Davies: Honestly it was a huge surprise, we have always tried to be the best we possibly can, however we weren’t expecting to win. It was a hugely proud moment for myself and my team.
DC: What’s your background in hospitality?
RD: I have none! In 2010 I was looking for land to start an extreme sports venue, when we stumbled upon Llanerch – a bankrupt vineyard. We went to have a look at it based on its location, and it was after our visit, during a chat with my parents over lunch, we discussed how the venue could be changed into a world class hotel and wedding venue like I had experienced in New Zealand and Australia.
DC: Did you ever want to work in the hospitality industry?
RD: Not really, I qualified from university as a geologist and after quickly realising that wasn’t the correct career path for me, decided to follow my hobbies and looked to start a business in extreme sports. The idea of Llanerch was born during that journey, so I suppose you can say I fell into it. I absolutely love it and enjoy getting up and coming to work every day.
DC: Where did the name come from for your venue?
RD: Llanerch was the name of the farmhouse from which, although you can no longer see it, forms the heart of the business (it is surrounded by new extensions).
DC: How would you describe Llanerch to someone who’s never been before?
RD: Llanerch is a beautiful countryside modern hotel, on a vineyard, with beautiful views over the Welsh countryside, yet conveniently located just 20 minutes from Cardiff City Centre. Its uniqueness appeals to holidaymakers as well as day trippers and locals giving Llanerch a real social buzz for a country hotel.
DC: What would you say makes your venue different from others?
RD: Llanerch was the first hotel in the UK to be situated on a vineyard. However, uniquely for its countryside location it also has a hugely popular restaurant that is busy serving up to 300 covers a day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, giving it a lovely atmosphere at all times of day.
DC: How did you come up with the menu?
RD: Our menus are based around three main principles: Local, Quality and Seasonal. The chef is constantly working with suppliers to find some beautiful products from our doorstep and across Wales, constantly tweaking the menus to reflect these changes.
DC: What’s the most popular order from your menu?
RD: When in season, Welsh Salt Marsh Lamb and Sewen [sea trout] are two of the most popular items the menu. As for drinks, our most popular are of course our own award-winning Cariad Wines produced from grapes grown on the estate.
DC: Is it important for you to work with local suppliers?
RD: It’s hugely important for us to work with local and quality suppliers to continually improve our offering. A quality local supplier gives you all the key information ahead of time, and helps the chefs keep the menus as seasonal and fresh as possible.
DC: Do you have plans to open up different locations?
RD: Not at the moment, as we haven’t finished with Llanerch yet, but we may do in the future.
DC: What are the latest trends in food and drink?
RD: I’m not sure about latest trends, but for us it’s about quality seasonal produce cooked well, blended with professional service that is not too formal.
DC: How would you describe your local community?
RD: The local community is a core part of our business. They keep our restaurant busy through the day and when the hotel is quiet.
DC: How are you immersed in the community from a hospitality perspective?
RD: We always use local businesses and trade people to help maintain, supply and grow our business. Llanerch also sponsors a local junior rugby team and supports the local school with fund raising events. In return we find they come back and support you. We often recognise people staying in the hotel that live less than 30 minutes away, who use Llanerch for a treat or special occasion, or just a night without the kids!
DC: Are there any other cuisines you would like to branch into?
RD: I love eating other cuisines, especially southeast Asian, however this is not a move we are looking to make at Llanerch, as it would not fit our business model.