A FAMILY Pensarn café has triumphed in its first national competition with two awards.

Owners of the The Pantri Bach Cafe & Gift Shop Nick and Julie Williams and manager Kirsty Prosser were aware of a nomination in the ‘Most Welcoming Café in North Wales' category when they headed to Cardiff for the first Welsh Café Awards.

However, upon arriving at the prestigious ceremony, they were then blindsided with two wins, with a surprise gong for ‘Best Café Design’ in Wales.

Ms Prosser said: “We were only aware we were nominated for one award, which was amazing in itself, so to win two was overwhelming. We were going there to enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate the winners with no expectations, so we couldn’t be happier and prouder.”

The business has been owned by Mr and Mrs Williams for 16 years, and credits the secret of their success to employing for the long term to master the business’s ethos for customer service and working with the community, which includes the recent installation of a defibrillator, and free training in CPR.

The business, which was nominated by customers, prides itself on an internal training regime for junior and adult staff.

Ms Prosser added: "We’d like to think the award has helped put Pensarn on the map. Any positives for the area are beneficial as Pensarn has a massive amount of natural beauty and is under-rated for the amount of amazing attractions including the arcades, gym, park, and we are only a short distance from Gwrych Castle & the town."