A Teifi Valley restaurant has scooped three rosettes from the AA, making it one of the top 10 in Wales.

The Art Room restaurant, part of the historic Hammet@Castell Malgwyn Hotel in Llechryd, has been awarded three Rosettes by the Automobile Association, a distinction enjoyed by only six others in Wales. This puts it in the top ten of all restaurants in Wales.

The AA says that 3 Rosettes are given to “Outstanding restaurants that achieve standards that demand recognition well beyond their local area. The cooking is underpinned by the selection and sympathetic treatment of the highest quality ingredients.

“Timing, seasoning and the judgment of flavour combinations will be consistently excellent. These virtues tend to be supported by other elements, such as intuitive service and a well-chosen wine list.”

Owners, Chris and Nicky Mason-Watts said: “This is a fantastic achievement by our kitchen team, headed by Cornel Uys and assisted by Luke and Heledd, as well as our front of house crew.

“They are all, to use the modern word, passionate about what they do and it is a tribute to their dedication and commitment. While Cornel’s style has attracted some local following, the real question now is whether there is appetite enough to justify extending the opening hours of what is essentially a small restaurant in the Teifi Valley, a deeply rural area”.

Cornel Uys, before coming to Wales, was cooking in Scotland where he also gained 3 Rosettes at the celebrated Ardanaiseig Hotel.

The AA guide describes Hammett as “Wonderfully stylish setting for equally stylish food".

The review goes on to say Hammett is “A fabulous, creeper-clad Georgian house with a contemporary interior – neutral colours and a striking art collection combining effectively with intricate period plasterwork and high ceilings.

“The transparent Perspex chairs in the dining room are pretty cool, and so is the food.

"Begin with seared monkfish with black garlic – a great flavour combination enhanced by pickled mussel and a smooth pea purée.

"A beautifully presented main of chicken with girolles, bacon and sweetcorn offers excellent contrasting textures, while a deceptively simple dessert of lemon curd, chantilly cream and honeyed raspberries brings a bold intensity to the close of the meal.”