Welcome to Inn At The Sticks…
I’m Teej, the owner of Inn at the Sticks, and I’m delighted you’ve discovered us.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful coastal village of Llansteffan, Inn at the Sticks is much more than a place to stay. Our historic inn is home to an award-winning restaurant, serving our Welsh sharing plates menu with a focus on great local and seasonal produce, alongside individually designed rooms for those who want to stay a little longer.
You’ll also find The Oystercatcher Gallery & Deli, where you can browse work from artists and makers alongside a carefully chosen selection of artisan produce, including Welsh cheeses, wines and other treats to take home.
Step outside and there’s even more to discover. Our garden is home to Outdoor at the Sticks, serving relaxed street food throughout the warmer months and providing the backdrop for live music, events and gatherings, from laid-back afternoons in the garden to some rather bigger celebrations.
Whether you’re joining us for dinner, popping in for a drink, browsing the gallery and deli, spending an afternoon in the garden or escaping for a few nights by the coast, we want the Sticks to feel like somewhere you can settle in and stay awhile.
We were absolutely thrilled to have been named the Best Local Restaurant in Wales by The Good Food Guide in 2024. At Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan, we truly believe that great food and fine wine are at the heart of unforgettable experiences. We are passionate about celebrating Welsh produce, and we believe it deserves to be celebrated.
For us, food isn't just something you eat – it's about creating a sense of place and identity. Our dishes are crafted to reflect the beauty and richness of the land around us. We also think meals are best enjoyed when the table is filled with an array of flavours, offering something for everyone to share and savour.
We stand by the simple pleasures. A traditional Welsh breakfast to kickstart your day, and a dedication to sourcing the finest local ingredients – most of which come from the bountiful lands of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire – and preparing them with the care and respect they deserve.
When you dine with us, we believe you’ll taste the difference.
Llansteffan and the surrounding countryside are full of beauty, history and places to explore. We think there’s no better place to start, or finish your day than right here with us.
Meet the Inn At The Sticks Chefs…
CHEF DEBS NEALE
Debs Neale is a talented chef whose culinary journey began at Pembrokeshire College, where she met her lifelong friend and future colleague, Mel Fairman. She trained under renowned chef Ian Mann at the prestigious Warlpool Court before going on to work at Chateau Impney and the Evesham Hotel in Worcestershire. Debs later returned to Pembrokeshire to work with Mel at the Swallow Tree Hotel, and together they followed their dream of opening a restaurant, which was named the best in Pembrokeshire by The Lonely Planet. Debs is now delighted to be working at the Inn at The Sticks, where she and Mel have continued their success—most recently being awarded Best Restaurant in Wales by The Good Food Guide. She takes great pride in creating beautiful, delicious dishes using local and seasonal produce, staying true to her passion for quality and flavour.
CHEF LIAM PHILLIPS
Chef Liam Neale began his journey in the hospitality industry at just 11 years old, working under the guidance of Debs and Mel at the popular Blue Ball in Tenby. It was there that he discovered his passion for food and cooking, developing a solid foundation of skills that would shape his future career.
He went on to study Professional Cookery at Pembrokeshire College, combining formal training with hands-on experience. Over the years, Chef Liam has worked in several respected establishments across the region, including the award-winning Angel in Narberth, where he continued to refine his craft and explore new culinary styles.
Now a valued member of the team at Inn At The Sticks, Chef Liam brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to the kitchen, driven by a lifelong love for cooking and hospitality.
The history of Inn At The Sticks
A pub since 1809, Inn at the Sticks has a long and busy history. For many years it was the Union Hall Inn, run by Griffith Davies from 1841. Twenty years later it was taken over by Lettice Harries.
The Inn has long been a Llansteffan landmark, and has been a hotel since 1881 when Thomas Rees assumed its management.
Overlooked by Llansteffan’s historic castle on the banks of the Towy Estuary, the Inn at the Sticks was for centuries an important resting place for pilgrims heading to nearby St Davids.
The building underwent many changes and repairs during this period but its character remained undiminished and it became a Grade II listed building in 2002.
We couldn’t help falling in love with it and we took it over, refurbishing and reopening it at the end of June 2023, being careful to keep its character and quirks. That makes The Inn at the Sticks something uniquely memorable for a stay, and our kitchen brings you the best of the local area and of Wales.
We want this to be your home from home: plenty of comfort and relaxation, and maybe just a little self-indulgence.
What does a stay with us feel like? In a word, special: the area around Llansteffan is a hidden gem, and Inn at the Sticks is the perfect way to experience and explore it.