Award for Monmouthshire gastro pub

The gastro pub, at Llangibby, which was taken over by director Michael Bates in April last year, is named the ‘best freehouse pub' and the best turnaround pub' in Wales.

The 'best turnaround pub' award is given to the pub which has demonstrated the best turnaround in business during the past year.

The pub will now compete to be named overall champion in the categories and from all the category champions, an overall Great British pub of the year will be chosen.

Since April 2010, Mr Bates and his team have worked to ensure their customers come back again and again.

This includes keeping the doors of the historic inn open all day round even when food is not being served, a rarity in gastro pubs.

The bar is also open on Sundays and an open mic session is held on the first Sunday of every month.

The success of the pub, which received two AA rosettes in January, is also down to the experience and skills of the team.

Mr Bates himself has in the past worked as the executive chef at the city’s Celtic Manor Resort and at Cardiff’s St David’s Hotel.

He is also part of the Welsh national culinary team and has cooked around the world including in New York in 2006 and 2007 to celebrate Wales Week there, a celebration of Welsh culture.

His team includes head chef Adam Whittle, sous chef Liam Whittle, front of house manager James Hayward and assistant manager Sian Donovan who have all also had experience working in top bars and restaurants.

Mr Bates, of Newport, said: "The achievement has only been possible with the hard work and determination of all our team.

"Along with the fantastic support we have received from the local village and our returning customers, we are all proud of what has been achieved in such a short time."

The awards, which are hosted by the Morning Advertiser, will be held at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel, London, on September 8.