MANY Gwent locations came out on top at the National Tourism Awards for Wales.

The Bell at Skenfrith, The Old Station at Tintern and Llansantffraed Court Country House Hotel & Restaurant have all been named as the Best Places to Eat in Wales by the National Tourism Awards for Wales, while the Abergavenny Food Festival collected the Best Event award.

The awards are staged by Visit Wales, in partnership with the Wales Tourism Alliance and in commercial partnership with Quadrant Media and Communications, to recognise and reward the best in Welsh tourism.

The Bell at Skenfrith won the Best Place to Eat award in the pub category, while The Old Station at Tintern in Chepstow picked up the award in the cafe category.

Llansantffraed Court, near Abergavenny, won the award in the small restaurant category and all were commended for their use of local produce and commitment to Welsh culture.

Heather Myers, chief executive of Abergavenny Food Festival, was delighted at the festival being awarded as the best event in Wales.

“The Festival team is absolutely delighted to win this award,” she said.

“It is not only a recognition of the effort put in by the board and staff over the years, but also a great endorsement of the community in and around Abergavenny who have come together to celebrate local and regional farming and food culture in a very tangible way.”

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, said: “Congratulations to all the winners at this year’s National Tourism Awards for Wales.

“They represent everything that is great about Welsh tourism – passion, commitment, creativity and drive.”