North Wales country house recognised among UK’s best for wine at AA Awards

The AA Hospitality Awards 2024 were held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on Monday (September 23).

The star-studded evening was presented by BAFTA-nominated television and radio broadcaster Angellica Bell, known for winning BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef.

The night celebrated the “most outstanding” hotels, spas, restaurants, Inns and B&Bs, alongside the people who drive them forward.

Key awards across 16 categories included AA Restaurant of the Year, AA Hotel of the Year, and the AA Sustainable Award.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said: “This incredible celebration is a true testament to the strength and innovation within our industry.

“The dedication and excellence demonstrated by all the hospitality teams have been nothing short of inspiring. 

“Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and new Rosette holders for their remarkable contributions.”

You can see a full list of the AA Award winners via the website.

AA Wine Award

• England: Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Aughton (overall winner)
• Scotland: The Balmoral, Edinburgh
• Wales: Plas Dinas Country House, Caernarfon 

Plas Dinas awarded AA Wine Award for Wales

Plas Dinas Country House, located in Caernarfon, was awarded the AA Wine Award for Wales at Monday’s ceremony.

When describing what to expect at Plas Dinas, AA Inspectors said: “Experience excellent hospitality at this impressive and historic country house.”

The AA added: “Plas Dinas Country House nestles between the Snowdonia mountains and the Irish Sea; an idyllic setting with stunning views.

“Located in beautiful grounds, this delightful Grade-II listed building dates back to the mid-17th century.

“Featuring beautiful grounds and an award-winning restaurant, and formerly the home of the Armstrong-Jones family, it offers ten individually styled bedrooms in historic yet relaxed surroundings.

“Take a stroll round the estate or sit by the roaring log fire in the drawing room on a cold winter’s day.

“Each room has recently been redesigned to represent the person or role within the Armstrong-Jones family that they represent.

“The Princess Margaret Suite has been recently redesigned and features wedding memorabilia from her wedding to Lord Snowdon.”

Have you been to Plas Dinas before? (Image: Tripadvisor) Plas Dinas Country House has also received high praise on Tripadvisor, boasting a prefect 5 out of 5 rating from 1,051 reviews.

One person commented: “Just perfect. We cannot fault this beautiful place. The rooms are all beautiful, the team could not have been more helpful (without being OTT) and the wine and food were excellent.

“The evening meal was full of lovely surprises and the breakfast was perfect.”

Upon receiving the award, Daniel Perks, Director at The Gunroom Restaurant, said: “During my career spanning 25 years of caring for guests in hotels and restaurants, my interest in wines has developed into a passion.

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“I am now lucky to be in a position to be able to devote time to developing a wine list that an integral part of the story telling and strong sense of place and history.

“To have respected industry recognition from the AA, that what the team and I have designed is indeed something special, is an immense achievement.

“A truly proud moment in our time as custodians of Plas Dinas Country House & The Gunroom Restaurant.”