Welcome to Inn At The Sticks…
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.
We are Teej and Jenks, and we’re delighted that you’ve discovered Inn at the Sticks. Nestled in the heart of Carmarthenshire, this historic building has been a landmark for many years. We took it upon ourselves to restore it, pouring love, care, and countless hours into ensuring it regained its former glory.
Whether you’re sinking into a cosy chair with drink in hand, indulging in our Welsh sharing plates menu crafted with local ingredients, or escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a weekend retreat, Inn at the Sticks promises a tranquil haven for relaxation and exploration. Both Llansteffan and the surrounding area brims with beauty and history, beckoning visitors to embark on new adventures. We believe there’s no better place to start that journey 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 MELANIE FAIRMAN
Mel Fairman is a talented chef with a deep passion for crafting beautiful and delicious desserts. She began her culinary journey at Pembrokeshire College, where she met her future business partner, Debs Neale. Mel honed her skills under Head Chef Ian Mann at the prestigious Warpool Court before moving on to work at The Evesham Hotel in Worcestershire. In 1999, Mel and Debs returned to Pembrokeshire and joined the team at Swallowtree Gardens. Fueled by a shared dream, they eventually opened their own restaurant, The Blueball, which earned acclaim from the Lonely Planet guide as the best restaurant in Pembrokeshire. Today, Mel is delighted to be working alongside her chef partner Debs at the Inn at the Sticks, where they continue to create vibrant, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate their love of food.
CHEF LIAM NEALE
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.