Hidden Pembrokeshire Restaurant Named Best in Wales After Eviction Battle Win

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A remote Pembrokeshire restaurant once facing closure has just been named the best in Wales, only weeks after securing a last-minute lifeline following intense public pressure.

Paternoster Farm, a family-run restaurant tucked away in an old cowshed in the village of Hundleton, has earned the title of Best Local Restaurant in Wales in The Good Food Guide’s 2025 list of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants. The prestigious recognition comes shortly after the venue narrowly avoided eviction following months of uncertainty with its landlord, Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).

Praised for its warm atmosphere, outstanding food, and the personal touch of its owner, Michelle Evans, the restaurant was highlighted by diners who described it as a “wash of warmth and good feeling”. One customer said Michelle “cares about every bite you eat”, a sentiment echoed throughout the nominations submitted to The Good Food Guide.

In May, the future of Paternoster Farm looked bleak. The team was told they would have to vacate the premises after PCC chose not to renew their lease. The decision came without a clear explanation, sparking confusion and frustration across the local community. What followed was a wave of support from residents, food lovers, and campaigners demanding answers and transparency from the council.

Community Support

The fight to save the restaurant quickly gathered pace. Letters were sent, petitions signed, and questions raised over the council’s handling of the situation. The community rallied not only for a restaurant but for what many saw as a local treasure that brought people together and put Pembrokeshire’s food scene on the map.

Owner Michelle Evans said the process had been emotionally draining. “We’ve been fighting so hard for answers,” she said. “It’s been heartbreaking not knowing what’s coming next. But the community has been amazing. We’ve really felt people standing up for us.”

After months of pressure, PCC finally granted a temporary extension to the lease, allowing the restaurant to remain open for the time being. While this is not a permanent resolution, it has given Michelle and her team a chance to keep doing what they love, serving excellent food in a unique and welcoming setting.

Over the years, Paternoster Farm has attracted attention from food critics and high-profile names, including The Times and chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and its honest, comforting menu have earned it a loyal following far beyond Hundleton.

The latest award only strengthens the case for its long-term future. Being named the best local restaurant in Wales is no small feat, and many now hope it will serve as a catalyst for securing a more stable arrangement with the council.

Paternoster Farm may be hard to find on a map, but its impact is unmistakable. As the Evans family continues to push for clarity and security, the public’s message is loud and clear: this is a place worth fighting for.