Wales holiday park makes cup finals in cafe awards!

Staff and the family owners of a Clwyd holiday park, Ty Gwyn, are celebrating after being named as one of the top spots in Wales for a perfect cuppa.

The restaurant at the holiday park in Abergele, near Colwyn Bay, was among the finalists in the Welsh Cafe Awards 2019, thanks to the volume of votes received from members of the public.

Judges paid tribute the park-owning Owen family at the competition’s glittering awards ceremony held this summer in Cardiff.

Taking her share of credit for the achievement was Sarah Clarke-Shaw who is the chef-manager of the park’s restaurant which is called Swn Y Mor, or “the sound of the sea”.

Sarah has worked at the restaurant for almost two years, and has won a large and loyal following of customers, comprising both holiday guests and people living locally.

Her speciality is freshly prepared meals, many of which feature locally-sourced foods, plus homemade cakes, teas, coffees and stronger drinks including authentic Welsh gin!

The 15-acre holiday park, just a short walk from the beach and adjoining the Wales Coastal Path, is home to around 200 holiday caravans which are largely privately owned.

Under the same family’s ownership for more than a century, Ty Gwyn began life as a farm – and in the mid 1960s started to welcome holiday guests for the first time.

Word about its idyllic setting began to spread, and the family invested much time and energy into creating first-class facilities and surroundings for people to own a holiday home.

Angharad Owen, a member of the park-owning family, said everyone was thrilled that the restaurant had won Wales-wide acclaim:

“We’re naturally very proud to have received such a fantastic vote of confidence from our customers, including those from both sides of the Welsh border,” she said.

“From the many comments we receive, both verbally and online, it’s clear that people enjoy not just the quality of our food and drink, but also the restaurant’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“Credit for this must go to our manager Sarah and her team who work incredibly hard to maintain the highest standards and ensure that everyone receives a warm welcome,” added Angharad.

As well as its delicious dishes, the restaurant also serves up regular donations to local good causes thanks to a range of different charity events in which many staff take part.

There is more information about the park and its restaurant at www.tygwynpark.co.uk