Rob Reen sells stake in Ynyshir Hall; while restaurant named after Gareth Ward
The four-red-AA-star, 10-bedroom Ynyshir Hall hotel in Powys, mid-Wales, has been acquired by John and Jenny Talbot following the death of its founder Joan Reen in February.
The Talbots, guests at the hotel for more than 20 years, became shareholders when Joan and her husband Rob Reen bought the hotel back in 2012, having sold the property in 2006 to Von Essen, which went into administration in 2011. Rob Reen has now sold his stake in the business to concentrate on his work as an artist. His artwork and current exhibition, Studies of Sheep, are still on display at Ynyshir Hall.
Joan, a former geography teacher, and Rob, who previously taught art, originally bought the 16th century Ynyshir Hall, set in 14 acres of grounds, in 1989, as they set about a career change. They went on to create one of Wales's most lauded hotels, which is a member of Relais & Châteaux and holds a Michelin star under head chef Gareth Ward.
The hotel was named AA Welsh Hotel of the Year in 2014 and soon after Joan was named Relais & Châteaux Woman of the Year. Last year the hotel became the only place in Wales to be awarded four AA rosettes, having held three for 20 years.
Under the new ownership, Anand Rathod becomes general manager of the hotel, having worked under Joan's management for the past three years, and Amelia Eiriksson has been appointed restaurant manager. As managing director of Ynyshir Hall, John Talbot is at the hotel every week.
The hotel's restaurant has been renamed Gareth Ward at Ynyshir Hall, in recognition of the nearly three years Ward has spent at the hotel as head chef.
A memorial dedicated to Joan Reen will be unveiled at the hotel, later this year.
Award-winning hotelier Joan Reen of Ynyshir Hall dies >>
Joan Reen named Relais & Chateaux Woman of the Year >>
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