It's been praised for it's local ales and creative dining options - and now a Mid Wales pub has been named as 'Pub of the year' in Wales at a prestigious awards.

The Nags Head Inn at Garthmyl, near Montgomery collected the prize at the AA Hospitality Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. The award is described as the AA's ultimate accolade for pubs in Wales.

After six months of retirement, the opportunity to take over the 19th-century, Grade 2 listed former coaching inn-turned-hotel and restaurant proved too tempting to resist for Nags Head owners James and Alison Divall, they say.

The couple took over The Nags Head Inn two years ago and set about plugging a gap in the market for a pub/restaurant that sold quality, locally sourced, home-made, creative food at sensible prices.

James has been involved in the hospitality industry all his working life and has worked across England and Wales for many companies in a variety of roles, culminating in a new build manager for Marston’s.

"We are extremely thrilled and excited to win this special award which recognises the high standards achieved consistently by our excellent team," he said.

"We all pride ourselves on providing a five-star customer experience and this award will really help put The Nags Head Inn and Mid Wales on the hospitality map."

The couple said the nomination had come as a 'complete surprise', but the success of the pub was down to the hard work of the pub's 25-strong team of employees.

“It’s also recognition for all the hard work and dedication by our excellent team. Over the past two years, we have expanded the team from eight to 25 full and part-time staff who all share our passion for quality in everything we do at The Nags Head Inn.

“To be nominated anonymously for this award came as a complete surprise, but to win it is truly humbling and I hope that it will encourage even more people to come and visit us.”

The restaurant, which has one AA rosette, offers a choice of lunchtime and evening menus while the business also offers five en-suite rooms which have achieved five-star gradings from both the AA and Visit Wales and a hotel breakfast award.

The AA say their 'Pub of the Year' is awarded to great all-rounder pubs or inns which combine the provision of enjoyable food, a great pub atmosphere and a warm welcome with a high standard of management.