“Absolutely amazing” was Welsh chef Nick Davies’ first reaction to winning the Start Up Award at the 2012 Powys Business Awards.
The awards, organised by MWMG, recognise and celebrate business excellence at all levels in Powys and were presented at the Hafren entertainment venue in Newtown.
The telephone has not stopped ringing since The Lion Hotel won the award, with in excess of 300 bookings receiving in five days. “We had no idea that winning a Powys Business Award would generate this sort of response,” said Nick.
“We have been overwhelmed by all the e-mail and telephone messages congratulating us. It demonstrates the level of customer support that we have received since we opened.”
Chef Nick, who is no stranger to the limelight, having competed with the Welsh National Culinary Team around the globe, re-opened The Lion Hotel in the historic village of Llandinam, near Llanidloes with his wife, Joanna, in 2011. The venture has proved a massive success.
“It’s a real family affair and what we have achieved in a matter of 10 months is amazing,” he said. “This award is a reward for all the hard work that we put in and also for all the staff, customers and community who have supported a local business.”
The award judges commented: “At a time when 12 hostelries are shutting every week, Welsh international chef Nick and his wife Joanna have re-opened the Lion Hotel in Llandinam. The building, which has been unloved for two years, is now a smart bustling pub, restaurant and hotel. With their wealth of experience in the hospitality trade and their enthusiasm, this couple has brought new life to the village.”
The business has successfully grown and currently employs 19 full and part-time staff all from the local area. The restaurant, which can seat 70, is full most Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday lunch times.
At times there is a three-week waiting time for a table, which goes to show the dedication of the staff and the quality of the food offer at the Lion.
With Joanna running front of house duties, restaurant, bar and bedrooms and Nick running the kitchen and food operation, they are a successful team and both are very dedicated and rightfully proud of what has been achieved.
The hotel has just been accepted into the CAMRA real beer guide after being judged on their three real ales, which are sourced from local breweries. It’s the first time The Lion Hotel has achieved this accolade and hopefully more will follow to put Mid Wales firmly on the culinary map.
PICTURE: Nick and Joanna Davies from The Lion Hotel, Llandinam with the Powys Business Start Up Award.
