A RESTAURANT in Conwy was crowned the best in Wales this year at an UK-wide awards ceremony earlier this week.

The Jackdaw, on High Street, won “restaurant of the year – Wales” at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on Monday evening (September 25).

Nick Rudge who opened The Jackdaw in 2021, said: “Myself and the team are absolutely delighted to be recognised as AA restaurant of the year in Wales.

“With there being so many amazing restaurants in Wales, it’s very humbling and a great honour.

“It’s very exciting to see what happens with the food scene in the next few years.”

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Originally from Llandudno, Nick previously spent seven years working at Heston Blumenthal’s “The Fat Duck” before opening The Jackdaw.

His first business venture, The Jackdaw was initially a takeaway business during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns at the start of 2021, before a grand opening in October of that year.

Using such ingredients as Conwy honey and mussels, Snowdonia Shiitake mushrooms, Rhug Estate venison and Denbighshire beef sirloin, The Jackdaw strives to have a particularly “Welsh” appeal.

Hosted by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, this year’s AA Hospitality Awards were attended by 1,000 guests on Monday evening.

Also representing North Wales on the list of winners was Palé Hall Hotel and Restaurant in Gwynedd, which took home the wine award (Wales) prize.