Wales


<p>While you&#8217;ve been getting on with your week, Wales has been quietly collecting awards, launching glamorous new experiences and plotting a few exciting glow-ups. Here&#8217;s what you might have missed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wales-best-restaurant-you-ll-find-it-near-machynlleth">Wales&#8217; best restaurant? You&#8217;ll find it near Machynlleth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Ynyshir-1.png" alt="Ynyshir" class="wp-image-7739" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Ynyshir-1.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Ynyshir-1-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Ynyshir-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Ynyshir-1-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Big news for the Welsh fine dining glitterati: <a href="https://www.ynyshir.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ynyshir</a> in Eglwys Fach has been crowned Best Restaurant in Wales at the <a href="https://www.nationalrestaurantawards.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Restaurant Awards</a>, scooping an impressive sixth place overall and flying the flag as the only Welsh restaurant in the top 100. Not bad for a west Wales wonder already twinkling with two Michelin stars.</p>



<p>There’s fresh energy in the kitchen too, with Lewis Welburn stepping up as head chef, returning to very place he first trained under Gareth Ward. Now working alongside him at the helm, he’s helping steer one of the UK’s most talked-about dining experiences. And make no mistake, this is dinner with drama. Dining here  is ticketed rather than booked, with tasting experiences starting from £390, no substitutions, and a strictly set format. Pick your adventure: standard restaurant tickets, front row for two, or the full-throttle backstage pass, right in the beating heart of the kitchen. Iechyd da to that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-wales-vineyard-set-for-major-glow-up">South Wales vineyard set for major glow-up</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Llanerch-Vineyard.png" alt="Llanerch Vineyard" class="wp-image-7735" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Llanerch-Vineyard.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Llanerch-Vineyard-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Llanerch-Vineyard-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Llanerch-Vineyard-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Raise a glass, South Wales &#8211; <a href="https://llanerch.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Llanerch Vineyard</a> could be getting even bigger. The much-loved vineyard hotel in Hensol has unveiled plans for a major expansion, including 22 new bedrooms, with vineyard views, giving guests even more excuse to linger a little longer among the vines. The proposed development also features a dedicated wedding venue, a bridal suite and a new gym, adding yet more allure to the award-winning estate&#8217;s ever-growing offering.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s quite the success story. What began life as a former farm has blossomed into one of Wales’ leading wine tourism destinations, drawing visitors for its acclaimed restaurant, vineyard tours, luxury stays and picture-perfect weddings. If given the green light, the latest plans would mark another exciting chapter in Llanerch’s evolution. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping everything crossed. Cheers to that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celtic-manor-pops-open-its-champagne-garden">Celtic Manor pops open its Champagne Garden </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Celtic-Manor-Laurent-Perrier-Champagne-Garden.png" alt="Laurent-Perrier Champagne Garden" class="wp-image-7736" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Celtic-Manor-Laurent-Perrier-Champagne-Garden.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Celtic-Manor-Laurent-Perrier-Champagne-Garden-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Celtic-Manor-Laurent-Perrier-Champagne-Garden-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Celtic-Manor-Laurent-Perrier-Champagne-Garden-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Celtic Manor Resort is dialling up the summer glamour with the launch of its new <a href="https://www.celtic-manor.com/laurent-perrier-champagne-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laurent-Perrier Champagne Garden</a>, a blush-pink, sun-soaked pop-up on the Olive Tree Lawn, transforming it into one of the prettiest spots in Wales for a glass of fizz (in our humble opinion). Open every Fri and Sat from <strong>26 Jun</strong> to <strong>5 Sept</strong>, it&#8217;s tailor-made for leisurely lunches and girly get togethers (order the strawberries and cream, sorbets, ice&nbsp;cream&nbsp;and cheese platters).</p>



<p>And that&#8217;s not all. Throughout Wimbledon, the resort&#8217;s Wimbledon Weekends will serve the tournament&#8217;s most iconic pairing — strawberries and cream with Laurent-Perrier Champagne. For something a little more indulgent, the Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea brings elegant savoury bites and delicate patisserie to the Garden Room. Then on <strong>Sat 4 Jul</strong>, the one-day-only Bloom Bar experience sees guests to create their own hand-tied bouquet with Apple Blossom in May before  settling in with a glass of Champagne and terrace dining surrounded by beautiful blooms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pasture-raises-the-bar-with-glamorous-new-cardiff-opening">Pasture raises the bar with glamorous new Cardiff opening</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Parallel.png" alt="Pasture raises the bar with glamorous new Cardiff opening" class="wp-image-7900" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Parallel.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Parallel-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Parallel-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/06/Parallel-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One of Cardiff’s hottest tables has just got even better. <a href="https://parallelrestaurant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parallel</a> by Pasture has unveiled a brand-new bar, which opened its doors last weekend, giving diners yet another reason to linger a little longer in the city centre. Located in the gorgeous High Street Arcade and linking both the restaurant and its underground sister bar, Nightshade, the new space is all low lighting, slick and serious after-dark appeal. In other words, exactly the kind of place you&#8217;ll pop in for one drink and somehow leave three hours later.</p>



<p>The menu is designed for grazing, with elevated bar snacks that are easy to share and even easier to order another round of. Think flatbreads topped with smoked feta and hot honey, short-rib croquettes and delicate tuna crudo. Behind the bar, inventive cocktails steal the spotlight, from kimchi-spiked Bloody Marys and bara brith vodka mixes. Add DJ sets, arcade-side seating and a mix of cosy booths and counter spots, and Cardiff may well have found its newest go-to drinking den. Watch this space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiff-s-direct-canada-flights-are-back-and-we-re-already-packing">Cardiff&#8217;s direct Canada flights are back&#8230; and we&#8217;re already packing</h2>



<p>Big news for Welsh travellers: Canada is back on Cardiff’s departure board. The first-ever direct <a href="https://cardiff-airport.com/westjet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WestJet</a> flight from Toronto has officially landed in Cardiff, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in nearly 20 years. Operating four times a week, the new route makes it easier than ever to swap the Welsh coastline for Toronto’s iconic skyline, whether you&#8217;re planning a city break, a family visit or a bigger North American adventure. The connection is also expected to boost tourism and business links between the two destinations, opening up fresh opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. Maple syrup, CN Tower views and a direct flight from Cardiff? Sounds like a pretty good excuse to start planning that next getaway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiff-s-kingsway-is-getting-a-green-makeover">Cardiff’s Kingsway is getting a green makeover</h2>



<p>Cardiff city centre is in line for a serious glow-up.&nbsp;Plans have been unveiled to transform Kingsway into a greener, grander boulevard, swapping concrete and underpasses for trees, planting, seating and a brand-new public square.</p>



<p>The proposal would bring wider walking and cycling routes, rain gardens and step-free crossings, while the existing Kingsway subway would disappear altogether, making it much easier to get around on foot.</p>



<p>Perhaps most excitingly, the redesign aims to create a more attractive civic space linking City Hall and the National Museum, with room for public art, events and historic statues. If approved, it could turn one of Cardiff&#8217;s busiest thoroughfares into a destination in its own right.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fancy-another-one">FANCY ANOTHER ONE?</h2>



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Superflash! Champagne gardens, chic new bars and Wales’ best restaurant

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