Where are GBPA winners now: the Pen-y-cae Inn

The pub was named as the Great British Pub of the Year at the ceremony on London's Park Lane in 2009.

The freehold gastropub in Powys was also named the Best Gastropub and Best Pub in Wales, scooping the overall title over seven other regional pubs.

Judges hailed the Pen-y-cae Inn as "stunning pub in a stunning location with a stunning food and drinks offer".

Full zoo licence

In 2015 it gained a full zoo licence and today has some 30 animals and birds including a family of meerkats, wallabies, pygmy goats, ornamental waterfowl and Japanese cranes in its grounds as an attraction for visitors.

“Its definitely unique” said landlady Claire Christopher. “Its a big attraction, especially for children who come here in the summer holidays with their parents.”

Entry to the zoo is free. All the inn asks is that visitors consider stopping for lunch.

Since winning The Morning Advertiser​-organised award, Claire and husband Anthony have also developed a 200-year-old cottage within an area of  spectacular grounds as a holiday let. They are now embarking on an even bigger project right next door to their award-winning pub – a motel.

Perfect complement

The new motel is being built on the site of an old primary school and will have 14 bedrooms.

“It will be the perfect complement to our inn,” Claire said.

A multiple winner of Trip Advisor Excellence Awards, the Pen-y-cae is also a past winner of Gastro Pub of the Year with Food Awards Wales.  

The inn has a wedding licence and can hold an event with up to 90 guests on the day for a sit-down, three-course meal, and up to 150-180 guests in the evening. A marquee can be hired for a wedding in the rear garden that comfortably holds 200 - and of course, there’s the added attraction of the nearby zoo for the children.

The deadline for entry this year's John Smith's Great British Pub Awards is 18 May, and you can enter online here: www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk.​​​