The Countryside Alliance Wales held its annual ‘Rural Oscars’ awards ceremony, where two local rural businesses were honoured.

Among them were two Pembrokeshire businesses, Velfrey Vineyard (runner-up) and Carn Edward (highly commended).

The Countryside Alliance Awards – now in their 17th year – recognise rural businesses across five categories, including ‘best pub’, ‘best village shop/ post office’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best for local food a drink’ and the ‘rural enterprise award’. These businesses go the extra mile within their communities, supporting the local economy and championing local goods and services.

Thousands of nominations from around the country were whittled down via a public vote, with the final few being honoured at the Welsh finalists’ awards ceremony on Tuesday, February 27 at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay. The awards were presented by Gareth Wyn Jones and Director of the Countryside Alliance Wales Rachel Evans, and attended by a number of Senedd members.

The winner of each category will go on to represent Wales in the national champions reception at the House of Lords in June, competing against other finalists from Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England.

Winners were: Pub: Tafarn y Fic, Gwynedd; Village Shop: Llanymynech, Powys; Butcher: Izzy’s Butchers, Powys; Local Food and Drink: Cwm Farm Charcuterie, Glamorgan; Rural Enterprise: Bargoed Farm, Ceredigion.

Runners-up were: Pub: Llew Gwyn, Clwyd; Village Shop: R H Bunner and Son Ltd, Powys; Butcher: Jones A’i Fab, Clwyd; Local Food and Drink: Velvrey Vineyard, Pembrokeshire; Rural Enterprise: Cwm Fedw Country Sports, Rhondda Cynnon Taf.

Receiving high commendations were: Pub: Dolau Inn, Powys; Village Shop: Boughrood Stores, Powys; Butcher: Farmers Pantry, Glamorgan; Local Food and Drink: Carn Edward, Pembrokeshire; Rural Enterprise: The Welsh Wool Shed, Gwynedd.

Countryside Alliance Awards: Highly commended: Carn Edward, Fishguard
Highly commended: Carn Edward, Fishguard (Pic supplied)

Director of the Countryside Alliance Wales Rachel Evans said: “This evening was about celebrating our rural communities and the role that these businesses play in keeping them together – their continued promotion of Welsh produce, skills, and rural life deserve all the credit they can get. The Countryside Alliance is proud to be honouring a group of people who about are passionate about our countryside and about providing quality goods, services, and employment to rural communities and beyond.”