On Sunday 4th October 2009, in its Travel Section, the Sunday Times announced that:-
‘Tomorrow the Good Hotel Guide Announces its top 10 hotels. Our secret inspector has visited all of them to see if they deserve it…
I’ve just finished a 10-night tour across Britain and Island, checking out the hotels and guesthouses that have won César awards in this years good Hotel Guide. The GHG is a champion of independent , and often idiosyncratic places, and each year it honours10 properties that it feels are outstanding in their own class. Before they let the rest of the world know, though, they slip me the list, I put on dark glasses and an alias, and visit all 10 to see if they’re up to scratch…
WELSH COUNTRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR
Neuadd Lwyd, Penmynydd.
I had my doubts about Neuadd Lwyd. It only opens four nights a week (Wednesday-Saturday) and you can only get dinner on just three. In my book, top-notch hotelkeeping on those terms should be a piece of cake. After all, the real skill lies in keeping standards high every day of the week. When I set off for Anglesey, I’d decided anything short of perfection should be counted as a failure. But it was perfect. In their handsome Victorian rectory, the owners, Susannah and Peter Woods, run a kind of academy of their craft. It helps that Susannah trained at the Ballymaloe cookery school, in Ireland, but this kind of attention to detail and relentless pursuit of high standards isn’t something you can teach. The Woods are quite a double act.
The room; called Owain, it was well proportioned and exquisitely furnished, with solid, unshowy antiques and a vast French bed (complete with handemade mattress). The bathroom had a roll-top in front of the window. 10/10
The food: I was an hour late for dinner, but they kept my table until 9pm and Susannah produced a delicious, balanced meal of crab and slow-roasted Anglesey duck. 9/10
Service: charming. 9/10
Value: 10/10, given that dinner is included in the price.
Does it deserve its César? Yes. ’
César Award - read the review here
The best hotels of the past decade
The Good Hotel Guide announces its favourites for 2011 tomorrow. Our undercover reporter looks back on the past decade of reviewing the best.
When the Good Hotel Guide is at its best you get the total package: not just good hotel-keeping, but a sensational location too. In 2008 there were two places on its Cesar-winning list that embodied these virtues to sensational effect.
One was the Gurnard’s Head (gurnardshead.co.uk), near Zennor. It’s a gastro-pub with rooms, set on Cornwall’s most spectacular stretch of coast – the wild, empty and windswept bit between St Ives and St Just. The rooms were fairly basic, but the food was sensational and I loved the atmosphere - honest, earnest and also rather hip.
I went with my wife and three-month son. Generally I have no regrets about fatherhood, but at the Gurnard’s Head I felt a little twinge: a weekend of clifftop walks, top nosh and long nights with an Atlantic gale whistling through the window would have been perfect for my wife and I before the little’un came along.
The other was Ballyvolane House (ballvolanehouse.ie), in County Cork – a proper country house, preserved in mint condition, and run in a relaxed and modern style. It’s set in a fantasy Irish landscape of long, leafy lanes and quiet market towns, and surrounded by dazzling lawns.
I’m a hopeless romantic when it comes to Ireland, and enjoy every Cesar-hunting trip there. But this was something special. It was like being invited into someone else’s more glamorous life for a night.
Four more properties from previous tours are also worthy of special mention: West Stoke House (weststokehouse.co.uk), near Chichester, West Sussex, from 2007; the Great House in Lavenham, Suffolk (greathouse.co.uk), from the 2008 list;, and both the Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite Cumbria (the-punchbowl.co.uk), and Neuadd Lwyd (neuaddlwyd.co.uk) in Anglesey from last year’s list.
Given half the chance, I’d go back to any one of them like a shot.
Published: 17 October 2010
On 3rd February 2010, Elgan Hearn reported that;-
‘One of the hottest tickets in the island social events calendar has become Anglesey Tourism’s Oscar’s –style awards evening. The sell-out ceremony held at Tresgawen Hall near Capel Coch last Friday brought together the cream of Anglesey’s business community to celebrate a successful year…
…the gala event was presented by BBC TV and radio presenter Rhun ap Iorwerth.’
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Best Country House of the Year – Neuadd Lwyd, Penmynydd.
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Best Restaurant of the Year, Silver Award- Neuadd Lwyd, Penmynydd. |
On 14 January 2006 in the Travel section of "Saturday Guardian", Sally Shallam in the "Weekend" page wrote '...Almost from the minute we swung into the drive I
could feel in my bones it was going to be a winner. This handsome rectory, just across the Menai Strait, has an ancient church in its backyard and pastureland in its front but this isn't why the term B & B doesn't do it justice...The best description I can come up with is a country house restaurant with rooms - but that's not very snappy. So let's just say this is in a class of its own... '
To access the full review click here.
On Sunday 8 October 2006, Fiona Duncon, in her regular Hotel Guru section wrote....
'It's difficult to pigeonhole Neuadd Lwyd...the room in which I am dozing, tucked
under a goose-down duvet on a deep mattress, is one of the most attractive hotel bedrooms I can recall, equipped with flat-screen TV, DVD's, digital radio, walk-in shower and separate bath (no phone though). All the furniture, the beds, beaded throws and cushions, pictures, lamps even the clock on the mantelpiece, are new and carefully chosen, lending the feel of swish bedroom in a luxury hotel for which you could be paying three times the price... '
To access the full review click here.
On 31st August 2008 a “Times Escapes” supplement of the Sunday Times listed 350 hotels and B & B’s across the British Isles and Europe as ‘a great place to escape to’ which included;-
Description: Neuadd Lwyd is a five-star country house in rural Anglesey with magnificent views of Snowdonia. Acclaimed for its four-course evening dinners using local, seasonal ingredients and sumptuous accommodation.
Other awards: Welsh Rarebits, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Guide, Alistair Sawday, Good Food Guide.
In May 2008 the Guardian produced a Bed and Breakfast Directory which was introduced by Sally Shalam who had visited Neuadd Lwyd in 2005;-
‘Neuadd Lwyd is a four-bedroom B & B located in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, the village with the longest name in the UK. It has four bedrooms, each with an en-suite and flat-screen TV and it is a five-minute drive from the Menai Straits bridges. Breakfast is made by Susannah, who trained at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork.’
The April 2008 edition of Country and Border Life magazine reported that:-
‘The inaugural Anglesey Tourism Awards, held at Tre-Ysgawen Hall Hotel, saw a total of 11 tourism businesses from across the island recognised...
The Best Bed and Breakfast/Guesthouse of the Year award went to Neuadd Lwyd Country House in Llanfair PG. The five-star country house opened in 2005 and offers bed, breakfast and gourmet dinners to its guests, and judges commented that the overall quality of accommodation was “exceptionally high”, describing the entry as “outstanding”.
Owner Susannah Woods is delighted “ Although we’ve been awarded Best B&B/Guesthouse of the Year, that doesn’t properly describe the wow factor here at Neuadd Lwyd”, says Susannah. “Every dinner at Neuadd Lwyd is a gastronomic experience not to be missed, and we enjoy outstanding views across the Anglesey countryside and the Snowdon mountain range. At any time of year, a short break at Neuadd Lwyd offers a relaxing experience in elegant surroundings where you’re made to feel special.”
On 1st March 2008, in an Independent Traveller feature entitled “Five Best Luxury Hotels in Wales”, Harriet O’Brien wrote;-
‘It took Susannah and Peter Woods more that three painstaking years to refurbish this greystone Victorian rectory, before finally opening it as a small country house hotel in 2005. Just across the Menai Strait, it sits in pastureland adjacent to a church dating to the 6th century. This is a great place for relaxing, taking in sweeping views, and visiting rocky beaches and secluded coves. But the real joy here is the restaurant’s modern Welsh cuisine, such as roast venison with celeriac remoulade and Caws-y-Graig goat’s cheese shavings. The four bright spacious bedrooms have original fireplaces and are kitted out with soft wool blankets, roll-top baths and antiques.’
On 1st December 2007, Fiona Laird, National Theatre Director, was interviewed for an article on “Where I’d rather be” in the Saturday Travel Guardian;-
‘Where would you rather be?
Anglesey. I went there in October…I’d not been there since I was eight and it really has the best beaches I’ve ever seen.
What’s so special about it?
In the south west corner there are long beautiful stretches with no seaweed, the sea is so blue and the sand is golden. The people are very friendly too.
What would you do there?
Go for long walks, eat lovely food. Stephen Fry has this fantastic word: “chillax”. I’d chillax.
Where would you stay?
At Neuadd Lwyd (neuaddlwyd.co.uk). It’s a five-star country house with just four rooms that have great big comfy beds, baths on legs and views across Snowdon. The couple who run it are so nice. Susannah, the wife, is the chef and trained at the Ballymaloe cookery school in Ireland.’
On 14 October 2007, The Observer Magazine ran a feature called”20 Travel Secret” “in which Desmond Balmer (editor of The Good Hotel Guide) extolled the virtues of unsung Wales saying;-
‘Typical of the new order is Neuadd Lwyd, a Victorian rectory on Anglesey given a makeover by Susannah and Peter Woods and run as an upmarket guest house…Welsh speakers, they are enthusiastic about the area and promote local produce in their meals. The décor is a neat blend of traditional and modern.’
Following the Royal Visit of Prince Charles to Neuadd Lwyd on 7th June 2007, the Holyhead and Anglesey Mail reported;-
‘Beneath azure skies in an idyllic rural setting His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales launched the Prince Cymru volunteer mentor project at Neuadd Lwyd, Penmynydd.
The Prince toured the exclusive five star hotel whose owner Susannah Woods was helped by Prime Cymru to set up the venture…Before launching the initiative, Prince Charles toured Neuadd Lwyd which has a reputation for fine food using local produce and sampled some of the fare…
When launching the Prime Cymru Volunteer Mentor Project, Prince Charles said “I’m so pleased that Prime Cymru were able to give Dr and Mrs Woods assistance to set up their operation here and I’m very glad to hear from them that mentoring had made a difference which is enormously encouraging”.
The August 2007 edition of North Wales Living magazine reported the visit of Prince Charles under the headline “Royal Approval at Neuadd Lwyd”;-
‘On 7th June, the Prince of Wales selected Neuadd Lwyd Five Star Country House on Anglesey to visit as part of his “Week in Wales”…Prince Charles was enchanted by the splendid interior, fine kitchen garden and magnificent views of Snowdonia, and he particularly complimented the quality of the food which had been prepared by Susannah and fellow chef, Delyth Gwynedd Jones…The intimacy and welcoming atmosphere of the boutique country house together with the kitchen philosophy of using only the finest and freshest of seasonal local produce to create the fine cuisine met with Prince Charles’ royal approval…’
On 8th June 2007, Hello magazine reported a news item under the heading “Happy days for Prince of Wales as he visits principality”;-
‘Prince Charles’ newfound joie d vivre has been more evident that ever as he and Camilla continue their summer tour of Wales.
The 58-year old was in stitches during a visit to Neuadd Lwyd B&B on Anglesey, as he attempted to open a gift. Creasing up with laughter, he eventually gave up on the task and accepted a helping hand…’
The August 2007 edition of the national magazine Woman and Home featured a two page article by Vanessa Howard entitled “Our homes are our new workplace”. In it she described how Susannah had established Neuadd Lwyd and included;-
‘Susannah Woods runs Neuadd Lwyd, a country house restaurant with rooms on the isle of Anglesey. She lives there with her husband Peter…Susannah saw to every detail in the pretty bedrooms. She enjoys using delicious local and seasonal produce in the kitchen…” I really enjoyed my career as a midwife, but once I reached 50, I craved a new experience”I used my savings to do a three month course at Ballymaloe Cookery School, where I learnt how to be a chef to a business…My cookery course gave me confidence to turn a passion into a profession…It was a lot of hard work but my husband and I managed to turn my passion for cooking into a house with an income…There have been setbacks, but when I look back at what Peter and I have achieved together, I’m so proud”.
The October 2007 edition of Country Living magazine included a three page article, illustrated with ten colour pictures, by Kitty Corrigan headed “Birth of a new business”;-
‘Experience of dealing with the unexpected proved to be a winning asset for former midwife Susannah Woods when she decided to muse a new ambition and run a country house hotel.
It is two years since Susannah opened for business. Soon after the Wales Tourist Board awarded her a coveted five-star rating and, at the 2006 National Eisteddfod of Wales, she was awarded the Menter Busnes prize for promoting Welsh language and culture – richly deserved recognition for the midwife who followed her instincts and refused to settle for anything less than the best…
Susannah received help and guidance from Menter Mon (http://www.mentermon.com/) and Prime Cymru (http://www.prime.cymru.co.uk)/... This is one of Prince Charles’ charitable trusts and on 7 June 2007 she received a royal visit, when the prince praised her kitchen philosophy of using only the freshest and finest of seasonal local produce.’
On 10th March 2007, The Independent Traveller ran a feature on “The Complete Guide to Wales in Style” by Harriet O’Brien which included;-
‘A Room With a View?
Challenging names add an air of mystery, and Neuadd Lwyd near Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is no exception. Set in rural isolation on the island of Anglesey, this grey-stone Victorian rectory was transformed into a glorious restaurant with rooms in 2005…Pasture rolls out in front of the house, while behind it is an ancient church dedicated to the Celtic saint Gredifael. The four bedrooms are decorated with elegant restraint and offer staggering panoramas over Anglesey and across to Snowdonia. There are home-made biscuits for tea and Molton Brown goodies in the lush bathrooms, while digital radios and plasma TV’s are standard. The co-owner Susannah Woods trained as a chef at Ballymaloe cookery school in Cork, and masterminds the modern Welsh cuisine. There’s a set menu for dinner, which changes daily according to local produce.’
On 24th February 2007, The Independent ran “The Information” supplement on “The 50 Best Weekend Breaks” by Lucy Gillmore and Sophie Lam which features places from throughout the world;-
‘Neuadd Lwyd Country House
This handsome grey-stone former Victorian rectory offers panoramic views of Snowdonia and the Anglesey countryside. Beautifully renovated as a small hotel, it now offers four individually designed rooms with stone fireplaces, antiques, Venetian mirrors and roll-top baths. Food, as well as luxury, rates high on the agenda.’
The February 2007 edition of North Wales Living magazine ran a Food and Drink feature entitled “Gourmet Meals at Neuadd Lwyd”;-
‘The reputation of Neuadd Lwyd on the isle of Anglesey for its gourmet meals has rapidly grown in the eighteen months since it opened. Owners Susannah and Peter Woods have refurbished this fine Victorian Rectory in a lavish but tasteful style, with all the trappings of comfortable luxury, to create an elegant Welsh Country House that was immediately grade Five Star by the Welsh Tourist Board.
Having only four sumptuous bedrooms, guests enjoy exclusive hospitality and the chance to ‘chill out’ and relax in opulent splendour. Susannah and fellow chef Delyth Gwynedd both trained at the world famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, Ireland.
Their four course evening dinners use only the finest and freshest of locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and they are fast becoming known for their unique Welsh Country House gourmet cuisine.
Pre dinner drinks and canapés are served in the elegant Drawing Room, the set menu changes daily and you may get ‘Gorau Glas’ Soufflé, Menai Sea Bass, Cemaes Lobster or Crab, Anglesey Rack of Lamb, Free Range comfit of Duck, cardamom panacotta and much more, and always a selection of Welsh farmhouse cheeses followed by coffee and handmade petit fours.
Another attraction is the location, with views from the south facing terrace and the dining and drawing room across the Anglesey countryside to the panoramic Snowdonia Mountain range are spectacular.
Penmynydd has fascinating connections with the Tudor Monarchy whose ancestors tombs can be seen in the adjacent ancient church where they worshipped centuries ago.’
On 12th January 2007, John Maddocks (international travel writer) wrote an article in the Australian Sunday Herald Sun newspaper in which he said;-
‘The 2000 square kilometre Snowdonia National Park is a must-see. Named after Snowdon, its highest peak at 1085 metres, the park offers some of the best climbing, walking and mountain biking in the UK. The less active can view spectacular scenery on the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway.
Stay on the nearby Isle of Anglesey (reached by bridge) at the superb Neuadd Lwyd Country House, one of Britains best B&Bs. Sip wine by the sitting room fire while enjoying a great view of Snowdon.’
On Sunday 22 October 2006, the Observer newspaper, in an "Escape Guide" introduced an article entitled "20 Great British Hotels" with…
'Now in its 30th year The Good Hotel Guide continues to be the leading independent guide to the best hotels in Britain and Ireland, with 600 impartial reviews. Editor Desmond Balmer selects some personal favourites from the new edition...
NEUADD LWYD. PENMYNYDD
Susannah and Peter Woods are proud of their Welsh heritage at their Victorian rectory, which stands in large grounds looking over fields to Snowdonia. The bedrooms are spacious, with bright interiors that emphasise original Victorian features. The no-choice dinners, featuring local produce, are served with style: breakfast is first class'
On Sunday,December 3rd 2006, in the Sunday Times Travel section, Adam Raphael in an article entitled "Raphael's Choice - 10 hotels on the way up" wrote;-
'Hotels, like humans, have a life cycle. Spotting them on the way up is the art: at this point owners are usually mustard keen and prices usually modest. Each year The Good Gotel Guide has about 80 new hotels, with the same number dropped due to a decline in standards...Here are 10 of the most interesting finds in the Guide's 2007 edition...
NEUADD LWYD, PENMYNYDD
In large grounds with views to Snowdonia, this Victorian rectory is now an upmarket guesthouse. We were enchanted by the atmosphere and superb food...'
On Saturday 8 April 2006, Marred Glyn Jones in her article "Rectory Resurrection" reported on the episode of S4C's series "04 Wal" which was scheduled for televising the following Wednesday. She wrote;-
'As ever, Aled Samuel is looking for something that little bit special. And this week his mission to find rather special houses takes him to Anglesey, to a Victorian rectory now being run as an elegant five-star country house hotel. Neuadd Lwyd is situated in Penmynydd, an area with strong connections with the Tudor dynasty.
Honoured guest Aled Samuel makes full use of the facilities on offer including the luxury bathrobe! After snooping in every nook and cranny in the house he was last seen waxing lyrical about a stunning French bed. "There's nothing better than being swallowed by the luxury of such a wonderful bed", he muses while laying back amidst the plump pillows.
The house's location ensures wonderful views of the mountains of Snowdonia from the rooms at the front of the house... The rooms are luxurious but subtle. They haven't gone over the top, thereby detracting from the mountains on the horizon.'
Shortly after opening in July 2005 in an article in "The Chronicle" that was headed "New lease of life for Rectory", Prime Cymru's Client Advisor for Gwynedd and Anglesey, Gwilym Roberts, was quoted as saying…
' Susannah's eye for detail both in the kitchen as a cook and as a host means that people can enjoy both a relaxing and friendly break at Neuadd Lwyd. Her efforts and commitment in developing the venture are to be congratulated, and I am sure the hotel will soon become a gem on the tourist map of North Wales.’
On Thursday 11 August 2005 in "The Times" of London. Tony Dawe recommended Neuadd Lwyd as…
'A new country-house hotel on Anglesey. converted from a Victorian rectory and with views of Snowdonia'.
At the same time Neuadd Lwyd was graded as a Five Star Country House by the Welsh Tourist Board.
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