12th February 2012
The Inn at Penallt has just learned that it has been awarded an AA rosette for the quality of its food

AA Rosettes are solely awarded by AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors. External influences from hotels, restaurants or other guides are not taken into account when awarding Rosettes.

One rosette restaurants achieve standards that stand out in their local area. They serve food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients. The same expectations apply to hotel restaurants, where guests can eat in with confidence and a sense of anticipation.

[AA website]

The Inn received an over night visit on 7th/8th February from an anonymous AA inspector. Following his stay he graded the pub as a  Inn (mirroring the Visit Wales award last year) and awarded it one rosette for the quality of the food prepared and served as well.

The inspector spoke highly of the hospitality and service received (Matt Bristow was his waiter for the evening), the commitment to local produce and the fact that the pub saw itself as part of the local community. The latter is not an award criterion but was a personal observation from him.
 
Landlord Andrew Murphy added "Jackie and I are delighted and quite taken aback; it was unexpected and not something we had considered. We are also very very pleased for Peter who, as well as being a fantastic chef, works tremendously hard and certainly deserves the recognition. 

In 5 weeks' time we will be entering our third year, which is rather scary (!), and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the village who has given us a tremendous amount of support, and who help to make the The Inn a friendly and welcoming place."