A DOLGELLAU restaurant was among the winners at an awards ceremony celebrating the best of the Welsh food industry.

The fourth annual Food Awards Wales welcomed over 300 guests at the Exchange Hotel in Cardiff on Monday, 23 April.

More than a dozen businesses in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd were nominated for the awards which recognise the success of professionals and establishments.

Tafarn y Gader were celebrating on the night, after the tapas restaurant and bar in Dolgellau scooped the gong for Gastro Pub of the Year North.

The restaurant has won the best Mediterranean establishment in Wales award three times.

While disappointed to miss out on the Mediterranean award this year, head chef Azier Calvo said the night was “still very good” and that “we are still proud of everything we have done in the last four years with this amazing team. We hope to be there next year again and bring it back with us.

Now, we have to carry on working and do our best for all of the amazing customers and all the support we have from the people in Dolgellau.”

He added that there are a “lot of plans for the future” at the award-winning restaurant.

Mañana Restaurant in Abersoch (Best Mexican Establishment), Aberdyfi’s Seabreeze Restaurant with Rooms (Best Seafood Establishment), Plas Bodegroes in Pwllheli (Traditional Welsh Restaurant of the Year and Restaurant of the Year North ), South Caernarfon Creameries Limited in Pwllheli (Dairy Food Provider of the Year), Pwllheli’s Pysgod Llyn Seafood (Seafood Supplier of the Year), The Mermaid Fish Bar in Barmouth and Castle Fish & Chip Shop in Criccieth (Takeaway of the Year North), Cadwaladers in Criccieth (Dessert Outlet of the Year), Vita Dolan of The Gatehouse Steakhouse in Dolgellau (Restaurant General Manager of the Year), The Gatehouse Steakhouse in Dolgellau (Restaurant of the Year Mid Wales), Hugh Bracegirdle of Plas Bodegroes in Pwllheli (Chef of the Year), and Castell Deudraeth Brasserie in Portmeirion (Outstanding Restaurant of the Year) were all nominated on the night but failed to take home the award amid tough competition.

Organisers said the winners are “a true reflection of high standard and customer service as they are chosen by members of the general public.”

The black tie event organised by Creative Oceanic was hosted by Capital presenter Polly James.

The awards supported the Cardiff Foodbank and the charity raised £857.70.