Glasses have been raised to toast the success of a couple who have made a big impression in their local community since taking over the lease of a village pub and restaurant two years ago.

Amye Pickstock and Jake Sampson, landlords of The Abermule Inn in Abermule, near Newtown won the special Judges Award at the Powys Business Awards 2023 ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown on Friday, October 20.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) with support from sponsors, the coveted annual awards are open to companies, organisations, social enterprises and charities.

Employing 23 staff,  Amye and Jake took over the lease of The Abermule Inn at the end of the pandemic in September, 2021 and have not looked back.

They focus on using local food suppliers wherever possible and chef Jake constantly changes the menu to try out new ideas to tempt customers. The couple caters for weddings, wakes, christenings and parties, receiving great feedback for their food and hospitality.

“We do our utmost to cater for everyone's needs,” said Amye. “We also do our very best to support local charities, particularly Ponthafren, a mental health charity that is close to our hearts.”

The couple sponsors local sports teams and opens the restaurant every week for ‘Mindfulness Mondays’ allowing people pop in and have a chat over a free cup of tea, something they used to do at the village shop before it closed.

Amye and Jake also organise the annual ‘Mule Fest’ charity event, featuring local musicians and have branched out to mobile catering and bar.

Amye said: “This award means absolutely everything to us and it’s going to drive us forward. It’s our first time at the Powys Business Awards and the businesses in all the categories were worthy of awards.”

Describing The Abermule Inn as “a start-up business to watch”, Powys Business Awards judge Julie Jones said: “A clear business plan has helped deliver positive financial results, along with excellent customer feedback.

“This young couple has really impressed us with their market and product knowledge, experience and business drive. Not only do they cater for the locals who want to come in for a traditional pub pint and chat, but also serve delicious meals that customers for miles around are talking about.

“Considering that they are only in their 20s, Amy and Jake have already achieved a lot and we believe that they will go far and are great ambassadors for Powys.”

The judges also commended Esco M&S Pizza in New Radnor, Hummingbird in Newtown, The Prized Pig in Abermule and ArticFox Adaptive Ltd in Montgomery.