AA Restaurant of the Year Wales
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About the award
Each year the AA independently inspects hundreds of restaurants across the British Isles. Introduced in 2000, this award recognises restaurants that provide cuisine of a truly excellent standard, as well as demonstrating innovation and ambience and providing a high standard of hospitality.
The Walnut Tree Inn, Monmouthshire
The Walnut Tree occupies a singular
place in British dining – a restaurant
of immense pedigree that wears its
brilliance lightly. Under the stewardship
of Shaun Hill and Head Chef Paul
Brown, the restaurant feels quietly
assured rather than attention-seeking.
There is an ease and maturity to
the operation that only comes from
experience. The dining room has
understated charm, while the cooking
delivers clarity, precision and satisfying
flavour without embellishment. Brown’s
energetic contribution complements
Hill’s philosophy of restraint, balance
and ingredient-led cooking.
In an era increasingly dominated by
theatrical tasting menus and conceptdriven dining, The Walnut Tree stands
apart by remaining exactly what great
restaurants should be – personal,
characterful and completely confident
in its own voice.
The Walnut Tree occupies a singular place in British dining – a restaurant of immense pedigree that wears its brilliance lightly. Under the stewardship of Shaun Hill and Head Chef Paul Brown, the restaurant feels quietly assured rather than attention-seeking. There is an ease and maturity to the operation that only comes from experience. The dining room has understated charm, while the cooking delivers clarity, precision and satisfying flavour without embellishment. Brown’s energetic contribution complements Hill’s philosophy of restraint, balance and ingredient-led cooking. In an era increasingly dominated by theatrical tasting menus and conceptdriven dining, The Walnut Tree stands apart by remaining exactly what great restaurants should be – personal, characterful and completely confident in its own voice.
Previous Winners
2025- Gorse
2024 - Thomas by Tom Simmons
2023- The Jackdaw
2022 - Gem 42
2019 – Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias
2018 – The Machine House
2017 – Beach House Restaurant at Oxwich Beach
2016 – Restaurant James Sommerin
2015 – Coast Restaurant
2014 – Bully’s
2013 – The Bull
2012 – Sosban & The Old Butcher’s Restaurant
2011 – The Whitebrook
2010 – The Hardwick
2009 – Y Polyn
2008 – The Walnut Tree Inn
2025- Gorse
2024 - Thomas by Tom Simmons
2023- The Jackdaw
2022 - Gem 42
2019 – Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias
2018 – The Machine House
2017 – Beach House Restaurant at Oxwich Beach
2016 – Restaurant James Sommerin
2015 – Coast Restaurant
2014 – Bully’s
2013 – The Bull
2012 – Sosban & The Old Butcher’s Restaurant
2011 – The Whitebrook
2010 – The Hardwick
2009 – Y Polyn
2008 – The Walnut Tree Inn
