Building Update: Week 26

Bathed in the glorious sunshine (for a change!) our builders are keeping up the good work.

As you can see, the bedrooms are well up into the first floor now and the structure is growing up and out by the day.  The extension for the dining room has also been started and it’s all looking good!

Michelin Congratulations

Many many congratulations to our local legend, Shaun Hill, and his team for winning a Michelin Star at The Walnut Tree and also to our friends, Bryan and Susie Webb, for being awarded their first Star at Tyddyn Llan in Denbighshire.

Shaun and Bryan are two chefs with similar philosophies that I respect greatly and aspire to.

It is wonderful to see that real cooking and chefs are being given the true recognition they deserve and that holding a Michelin Star is no longer an exclusive ‘club’ in Wales.

Books on the Bar

‘The Gastropub Cookbook: Another Helping’ by Daily Telegraph food writer, Diana Henry.  It features gastropubs from around the country and some of their recipes.  The Hardwick has a dedicated section and copies can be inscribed with your personal message and signed by Stephen. On sale at £20.

‘A Taste of Merthyr Tydfil’ (£4.99).  This book is the result of a community based project run by Glamorgan GATES.  Recipes were contributed by Merthyr residents that they make at home and it dispels the myth that people in Merthyr live on pie and chips!  It also highlights the continuing tradition of Merthyr being a place for economic migration and includes a diverse range of recipes from all over the world. The stunning photographs were taken by Toril Brancher, who worked with organizer Dr Lesley Hodgson to produce the book, and it really is a great insight into people’s homes and lives, as well as a chance to try something new.

Stephen was honoured to be asked to contribute the Foreword and particularly recommends the Corned Beef Pie recipe!  All profits from the book will be donated to Cancer Aid, Methyr Tydfil.

‘Wales In Style’ (£14.99).  This is a new independent visitors guide to help plan your perfect break in Wales.  It includes where to stay, what to do, where to eat and where to shop. The very best of Welsh hospitality is included, featuring country pubs, plush restaurants, rustic cottages, five star hotels.  The book is beautifully bound with fantastic full colour photography and contains a real treasure trove of information featuring some of Wales’ most outstanding places to stay and visit.

Hardwick Dining Vouchers

Enjoyed a visit to the Hardwick? Would you like to treat a friend to the same experience? Why not give them Hardwick Dining Vouchers?

You can buy any amount to be used in full or part payment for a meal here and the voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Call us on 01873 854220 or call in to discuss your requirements.

Dates for Your Diary

Sunday 14th March:  Mother’s Day.  Special 3 Course Sunday Lunch £26 per person & Little People’s Menu.  Extended dining from 12noon - 4:45pm.

Sunday & Monday 2nd & 3rd May:  West Wales Food Festival.  Held at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales near Carmarthen.  See http://www.westwalesfoodfestival.com for further details.

Friday 30th April:  Help For Heroes Charity Dinner & Auction:  The Manor Hotel, Crickhowell.  For more details and to book your tickets contact Cpl Williams email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Sunday 4th July:  13th Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival.  From 11am on the Harbour in lovely Aberaeron.

Saturday & Sunday 18th & 19th September:  Abergavenny Food Festival. See http://www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com for details.

Saturday & Sunday 25th & 26th September:  Narberth Food Festival. See http://www.narberthfoodfestival.com for details.