A POWYS pub is raising a glass after being named the best pub in Wales at the Food Awards Wales 2024.

The Tai’r Bull Inn, located in Libanus, near Brecon, was named overall winner of the Gastro Pub of the Year category at the seventh staging of the award earlier this month. 

The Tai’r Bull initially took home the Gastro Pub of the Year award for the Mid Wales region at the awards, held at Cardiff’s Coal Exchange Hotel on September 9, before then claiming the overall title ahead of the White Lion Inn (Llanelian), Inn at the sticks (Llansteffan) and the Goose and Cuckoo Inn (Abergavenny) for the best in Wales.

“We are truly humbled to have won these awards and can’t thank our lovely guests enough for your continued love and support in making the Tai’r Bull what it is today,” the pub’s owner, Katie Coop, said in a post on their Facebook page.

“Chef Irish and Team TB work so hard every day to make people happy; it is fantastic they get this recognition.

“Thank you to everyone who voted, it drives us to continue what we do for a long time to come. Much love.”

It’s the latest accolade for the pub – which sits a few miles outside Brecon, on the side of the A470, in the shadow of Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).

In August, the family-run pub was named Eatery Of The Year for 2024 at the Welsh Independent Retail Awards, also held in Cardiff.

The pub was taken over by Katie and her family in 2021, having closed during Covid. She runs it alongside her young daughters Kayleigh and Jasmine, while partner Rich and her father are also involved.

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There was also a second Powys winner at the Food Awards Wales as Brecon Tap, in Brecon, won Family Restaurant of the Year.

The Food Awards Wales are powered by Creative Oceanic and Oceanic Events and look to honour the top culinary destinations in Wales, while recognising the hard work and efforts of those committed to providing the country with the freshest products.

“It’s an honour for us to highlight the top food establishments and businesses that have stood out amongst the rest in the Welsh food industry,” said a spokesperson for the organisers.

“This year’s finalists reflect the resilience and creativity of countless chefs, producers, employees and managers who are always ensuring that locals and visitors eat well.

“We want to congratulate all of our winners and highly commended recipients on their accomplishments.”

The awards showcased the best restaurants, takeaways, pubs, hotel restaurants, cafes and bistros in Wales, as well as those who help foodies explore new flavours and cuisines from different cultures.

Notable winners

  • Restaurant of the Year – Y Seler (Aberaeron)
  • Cafe/Bistro of the Year – The View Rhossili (Swansea)
  • Takeaway of the Year – Castle Gate (Caerphilly)
  • Best Fish ‘n’ Chips Establishment – Elgam Fish Bar (Blaenavon)
  • Best Indian Establishment – Benllech Tandoori Restaurant (Benllech)
  • Best Italian Establishment – Gem42 Restaurant (Newport)
  • Best Mediterranean Establishment – New Olé (Newport)
  • Best Oriental Establishment – The Dragon Palace (Saundersfoot)
  • Best World Cuisine – Isabella’s Brasserie (Porthcawl)
  • Best Vegetarian Establishment – Vegetarian Food Studio (Cardiff)
  • Best Seafood Establishment – El Pescador (Swansea)
  • Fine Dining Restaurant – Bangor Tandoori Restaurant (Bangor)
  • Best Street Food – The Keralan Karavan (Cardiff)
  • Traditional Welsh Restaurant of the Year – The Castle Inn (Ebbw Vale)
  • Best Asian Food Establishment – Nora's Kitchen (Tenby)
  • Vegan Restaurant of the Year – Veganishmum Pop Up Restaurant (Llandysul)
  • Best Burger Restaurant – Meg's Grill and Chill (Bridgend)
  • Middle Eastern Restaurant of the Year – The Sultan (Cardiff)
  • Best Pizza Establishment – Tafell A Tân (Cardigan)
  • Best Steak Restaurant – Steak of the Art (Cardiff)
  • Best Mexican Establishment – Manana Restaurant (Pwllheli)
  • Outstanding Restaurant of the Year – Gem42 (Newport)
  • Welsh Produce of the Year – Fresh & Tasty Microgreens (Abergele)