The winners for the 7th Food Awards Wales 2024 were announced on Monday, September 9 at The Col Exchange Hotel in Cardiff.
The Tai’r Bull Inn in Libanus near Brecon was one of the finalists in the Mid Wales Gastro Pub of the Year category. The competition for the award was fierce, but Katie Coop and the team received recognition and took the trophy home.
They also went on to win a second award for the overall Wales Gastro Pub of the Year, trumping their previous achievement of the night.
After winning the award, Katie Coop said: “We are thrilled beyond words to have won these awards - it is an absolute honour and we are incredibly lucky.
“We are so thankful to all our lovely guests who make the Tai’r Bull what it is today. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. We are so humbled with your support and kindness.
“I would like to thank my wonderful Chef ‘Irish Ian’ who works incredibly hard and delivers the most fabulous dishes day after day, and the whole of the crew and my family. This wouldn’t be possible without their support, hard work and commitment, so thank you and well done.”
Tai’r Bull is run by Katie with the help of her two daughters, Kayleigh, 21, and Jasmine, 16. Katie’s partner Rich and her father are also involved in the running of the pub.
The family previously owned The Red Lion, in Llangorse for 18 years. Katie took over The Red Lion following her parents’ retirement.
The family-run pub was named as Eatery Of The Year for 2024 earlier this year, which allowed them entry into the Gastro Pub of the Year categories.
The awards look to honour the top culinary destinations in Wales while recognising the hard work and efforts of those committed to always providing the country with the freshest of products and unique delights.
A spokesperson for the 7th Food Awards Wales said: “It’s an honour for us to highlight the top food establishments and businesses that have stood out amongst the rest in the Welsh food industry.
“We want to congratulate all our winners.”