Luxurious boutique lodge and 5 AA crimson stars, Grove of Narberthis happy to announce that its Head Sommelier, Cathryn Bell, has been named AA Sommelier of the Yr 2026 on the AA Restaurant Rosette Awards, some of the revered awards within the UK hospitality sector. This model new award was introduced final night time on the annual ceremony, held on the RAK Ceramics Design Hub in London.
Since becoming a member of Grove of Narberth, Cathryn has been instrumental in shaping the lodge’s wine expertise. She works intently with Chef Douglas Balish and the kitchen crew to create considerate seasonal mixtures that enrich the dishes on the lodge’s menus, and has developed a wine program that displays the lodge’s philosophy – rooted in place and guided by craft. Her deal with storytelling ensures that wine is an integral a part of the visitor journey. Cathryn’s management and a focus to element have taken the eating providing within the lodge’s 4 AA Rosette restaurant to the following stage. The Ferneryenhancing its status for excellence in each foods and drinks.
Initially from Ammanford, Cathryn returned to Wales after 16 years to affix Grove of Narberth, gaining intensive expertise at a few of Eire’s most acclaimed inns and eating places. Her profession has included roles at Ashford Fort, the Michelin-starred Chapter One with chef Ross Lewis and the 2 Michelin-starred Aimsir with chef Jordan Bailey. Earlier than discovering her ardour for wine, Cathryn labored in worldwide improvement in East Africa after acquiring a level in Swahili. Her love for individuals and her dedication to creating significant, joyful experiences in the end led her to hospitality, and this method continues to tell her work at the moment.
Cathryn Bell, head sommelier at Grove of Narberth, stated:
Receiving the AA Sommelier of the Yr Award is a big honor and I’m extraordinarily proud that we are able to convey it to Wales. I’m lucky to be a part of a crew that strives to create extraordinary experiences at Grove of Narberth, and to be totally supported to embody that within the wine program. It’s a enormous privilege to do the work I do: bringing meals and wine, wine and other people collectively, and creating moments of pleasure daily – that’s the greatest I can do!”
Karen de Koning, normal supervisor of Grove of Narberthstated: “Cathryn’s recognition as AA Sommelier of the Yr displays not solely her extraordinary expertise, but in addition the usual of excellence we attempt for at Grove of Narberth. Her creativity and management assist form a eating expertise that units the lodge aside, reinforcing our status as one in all Wales’ most distinctive and celebrated eating locations.”
This recognition builds on a powerful interval of success for Grove of Narberth. In 2025, the lodge retained its prestigious MICHELIN Key, additional cementing its status for distinctive high quality and heat. The lodge was additionally acknowledged within the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Selection Awards, with an impressive rating of 96.93, and Chef Douglas Balish was named Lodge Chef of the Yr at Lodge Cateys 2025.
Set within the enchanting woodlands of Pembrokeshire, Grove of Narberth is widely known for its heat hospitality, elegant interiors and a foods and drinks expertise formed by the rhythms and tales of Wales. Cathryn Bell’s award displays each her particular person excellence and the spirit of collaboration that underpins the lodge’s continued success.