A PRESTATYN chef is celebrating a major career milestone after earning three AA Rosettes.
Daniel ap Geraint, head chef at The Gunroom Restaurant at Plas Dinas Country House in Bontnewydd, secured the prestigious accolade at the AA Hospitality Awards, held in Mayfair, London, alongside members of his team.
The award places the restaurant among the UK’s top dining destinations and marks another high point in a year of achievements for Plas Dinas, which was also named Best Hotel in Wales in the Good Hotel Guide’s 2026 César Awards and AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year for Wales 2025.
Annie Perks, owner of Plas Dinas, said: "We knew how much achieving Three Rosettes would mean to Daniel and the team, so finally receiving the news was a fantastic moment for everyone at Plas Dinas.
"It's not something you simply receive following one good inspection.
"At this level it goes to a panel and there is a lot of scrutiny involved, so we had an anxious wait before finding out.
"Being able to go to London and see the team receive the award on stage, surrounded by many of the UK's best chefs and hospitality professionals, made it even more special.
"They've worked so hard for this and thoroughly deserve the recognition."
The AA describes Three Rosette restaurants as "outstanding," with standards that deserve recognition well beyond their local area.
The award reflects the quality and consistency of the food, as well as the overall dining experience and level of service.
Ms Perks and Mr ap Geraint praised the efforts of the full team, including Dylan Thomas, Rupert Loom, Ferdinando Salvestrini, and Liga Williamson.
The Gunroom is also featured in the latest AA Restaurant Guide, which highlights its intimate atmosphere in the former home of Lord Snowdon and its menu focused on seasonal Welsh ingredients.
The AA commended its "modern British cooking underpinned by classic skills and technique," with standout dishes featuring Welsh butter, Anglesey sea salt, Welsh lamb, and locally sourced seafood.
Mr ap Geraint, who is from Prestatyn, has been head chef at The Gunroom since 2018.
He leads a talented kitchen team that includes pastry chef Cosmin Scarlet, Aled Jones, and Kane Williams.
Mr Williams previously worked as head chef at The Barn at Moor Hall, where he helped secure its first MICHELIN star.
He has also worked at Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers and The Ledbury, and served as senior sous chef at Moor Hall under chef-patron Mark Birchall.
Mr ap Geraint said: "Three Rosettes has been a goal of ours for some time, so we're absolutely delighted.
"There's a lot of work behind the scenes that people don't necessarily see.
"We are constantly looking at the menus, the produce we're using and the whole experience we give people when they come through the door.
"I have a brilliant team around me and that's what makes this possible.
"Everyone has played their part and it's something we can all be proud of.
"We'll definitely enjoy this one, but we'll also keep working, developing and seeing how far we can take things."
Mr ap Geraint also represented Wales in the final of BBC Two’s Great British Menu in 2025 after winning the Welsh heat.
Though he narrowly missed out on a place at the show’s 20th anniversary banquet at Blenheim Palace.
The latest award adds to a growing list of honours for Plas Dinas and The Gunroom.
The restaurant is listed in the MICHELIN Guide, and Plas Dinas has retained its AA Five-Star Gold status.
Daniel Perks, owner of Plas Dinas, said: "We're incredibly proud of what Daniel and the team have achieved.
"Three Rosettes is a big step and recognition of the standards they are producing day in, day out.
"When you look at the recognition Plas Dinas and The Gunroom have received over the last couple of years, it's incredibly rewarding for the whole team.
"Daniel is always looking ahead and thinking about what can be improved, and that's one of the reasons we've come so far.
"This is a brilliant moment for the restaurant and for everyone at Plas Dinas."
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