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WHO WE ARE

FlatRock Group is owned by Wells and Louise Jones, local to Cardigan, they have added to the FlatRock Group portfolio over the years, having seen the business go from strength to strength. Their goal; is to provide something for everyone, whether that’s a holiday destination in luxury coastal settings to comfortable and affordable accommodation in convenient town locations, Restaurants to Bars and Pubs and even Self-Contained Holiday Cottages.

Every property within the FlatRock Group portfolio provides our clients with a place to relax and enjoy the West Wales coastal surroundings. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our properties soon.

 

A Career with FlatRock Group

Comprising of 5 hospitality businesses located in or near Cardigan. We are seeking enthusiastic, team players to work with us as an ever-expanding hospitality business group. From housekeeping, to chefs and even managerial roles we look forward to expanding our team.

Visit our ‘Careers’ Page today

At our 76 ensuite bedroom hotel, we offer first-rate facilities for those looking for a break, romantic get-away, special occasions, family holiday, business travellers, conference organisers, those getting married or looking for a place to eat and drink in comfort.

We’re a venue with everything under one roof. As a retreat in the heart of Wales on the Ceredigion coast, we have stunning coastal view, making it an idyllic place for taking a stroll along clifftops, wandering down to hidden coves, the perfect backdrop for romantic shots.

Our Luxury Suites have balconies with hot tubs to really immerse yourself in coastal tranquillity. From single to family rooms, activities for action seekers or spa sessions for those who like to indulge in pure relaxation, we offer every opportunity to create everlasting memories of the perfect get-away.

Our underground spa offers a serene escape to take away any stresses and to pamper our guests on any occasion. Offering a range of treatments as well as providing Bridal Make Up, you don’t need to look any further than The Cliff Hotel & Spa. Our Function Suite has panoramic views of Cardigan Island and shows off our incredible sunsets. We have two rooms licensed for Civil Ceremonies; our Ballroom, which is a showstopper for that breath-taking sea view, and our Meeting Room, for those looking for a more intimate setting. The Function Suite provides a private kitchen, bar and outside terrace, allowing your day to on uninterrupted. Our Ballroom has hidden sliding walls to reveal endless ‘wow’ moments, creating a wonderful space for the evening reception. Our food and drink is bespoke, catering for all with fresh flavourful ingredients. Our main Bar/Restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling length windows leading out onto a terrace overlooking Poppet-Sands, has menus that reflect the season, keeping ingredients fresh and locally sourced, where possible.

Providing coastal luxury from start to finish it’s a breath-taking place to make romantic memories that last a lifetime, whether that is your engagement, hen/stag party, the wedding day itself or a return for your anniversary. Events play a major part in creating those ever-lasting memories set within an idyllic coastal vista. From dramatic stormy seas to still turquoise waters we provide the setting for dolphins playing through the waves, seals bobbing in the bay and geese flying over-head, creating a picturesque scene for any guest.

We take pride in creating an escape for our guests, a place they can rely on to provide seamless service throughout. You don’t need to go anywhere else. Relax and unwind in an outside hot-tub overlooking the ocean. Wake-up to room service or a plentiful breakfast buffet in our sea-view restaurant. Play a round of golf taking in the fresh sea air or indulge in our underground spa with an array of nourishing treatments to choose from to restore calm and tranquillity. Enjoy the magnificent coastline with plenty of walks to immerse yourself in the spectacular Welsh coast and its wildlife.

A brief History

Originally developed from The Gwbert Inn, built by local businessman Morgan Richardson around 1889 this impressive building stands proudly on the cliffs overlooking the idyllic Pembrokeshire heritage coastline. Richardson wanted to create the seaside resort of Gwbert to challenge both Brighton and Scarborough. With its clifftop golf course and spectacular position, it quickly became not only the most impressive hotel in the area, but nationally renowned. The Cliff Hotel & Spa lives up to The Gwbert’s promise, retaining its position today as one of the most luxurious hotels and romantic getaways in the area, attracting visitors from UK, Europe and America.

Purchased in 2014 by Wells and Louise Jones, The Cliff Hotel & Spa has gone from strength to strength in such a short amount of time. At the time of purchase, the hotel was dated and in need of structural improvements. Not only have the couple turned this around, but they have also grown a team of 40 staff members to well over 140. They are both dedicated to honouring the hotel as a place for both the community of Ceredigion and a holiday destination for all. Personal touches can be seen throughout the hotel, making the vast building feel warm and welcoming. Light and airy halls are filled with local coastal art and products to purchase, all supporting the community and local artists. The most recent edition, seeing to the expansion of The Cliff Hotel & Spa is our new Bar and Lounge area named ‘The Point’. Taking advantage of the forced brief closure due to the COVID-19 Pandemic significant refurbishment work was undertaken to extend The Carreg Bar & Restaurant, doubling both the indoor and outdoor space. Digging down into our vast lawn area The Point Bar & Lounge was created; sitting below The Carreg Bar & Restaurant this new addition features the same show stopping panoramic views over the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast, it is a place for our guests to relax with a drink in hand. Our team here at The Cliff Hotel & Spa have excelled during the past 6 years, since it’s been under new ownership, and continue to work tirelessly in providing quality service with a personal approach. 

New to The Flat Rock Group Portfolio, the Harbourmaster sits proudly within the collection. Offering luxury accommodation, serving locally sourced produce in the contemporary bar and restaurant and featuring dramatic sea views in the prime harbour location of Aberaeron.

Previous local owners Glyn and Menna Heulyn were delighted to be passing the Harbourmaster over to another local couple whose main goal is to continue the Harbourmasters successes’.

“We are delighted that the Harbourmaster will remain in the ownership of a local couple, and we wish them, and all of the staff continued success for the future. The Harbourmaster has been central to our lives for the last 20 years. Little did we think that when we bought the Harbourmaster building in 2001 that we’d share the journey with so many talented individuals who’ve joined us on the way and contributed so much, in every department – as managers, chefs, bar staff, waiters and housekeepers. Many former employees have moved on and set up their own successful businesses.” – Glyn Heulyn

“Our dream at the beginning was simply to create a welcoming, cool, stylish place to stay, and to eat and drink the best of local produce. As locals who had grown up here, we knew that the location was second to none. We hoped it would help put Aberaeron on the map.” – Menna Heulyn

Louise and Wells want to continue the hard efforts that Glyn, Menna and the Harbourmaster team have put in thus resulting in the continued success of what has become an iconic hotel, bar and restaurant in the local area.

Harbourmaster’s story

The Harbourmaster a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant. Established in its current guise since May 2002, winning accolades for its hospitality, food, wine and service. A great sense of place with cool design in this historic building, built in 1811 as the home and office for the harbourmaster. It is now housed in three historic buildings and the blue iconic original harbourmaster building has become a famous landmark for the town and the harbour.

Along the journey, and critical to its success has been the flow of talented young staff many from the local area. We’re proud of their achievements and of helping to make Aberaeron famous as a destination throughout the country.

 

The Gwbert Hotel & Flat Rock Bistro is a 21 ensuite bedroom hotel, offering a place of coastal comfort and affordability. Standing on the banks of the River Teifi at the estuary at Gwbert-on-Sea, renowned for its salmon and sewin, it is one of the finest hotels in the locality. The Gwbert Hotel offers high standards of accommodation, providing a lift to most rooms, accessible to most.

Flat Rock Bistro is a tastefully decorated restaurant with panoramic views of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Offering an extensive menu with dishes to all tastes and requirements.

With the Cardigan coastal paths just a short walk away, you have adventure on your doorstep. From dog friendly beaches to local attractions for the kids, by the end of the day you’ll have earned a relaxing meal and drink in our restaurant followed by a restful night’s sleep in our more than comfortable rooms.

Gwbert Holidays comprises of 8 detached holiday cottages in Cardigan Bay.

Situated in the villages of Gwbert and St Dogmaels, on the banks of the unspoiled beauty of the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast. Perfect for families and groups of friends, our holiday homes sleep between 8 and 14 guests. In addition to their comfortable living areas, our holiday homes offer their own private hot tub or swim spa. The perfect situation for you to relax and unwind whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this unique area.

Our fabulous Gwbert properties are made up of a selection of 8 detached houses, some benefitting from stunning sea views. All properties are furnished to a stylish, modern standard and include fully equipped kitchens and living areas, as well as small gardens or terraces. Pets are welcome in most properties, subject to a small supplement. In addition to the beautiful beaches, there are plenty of walking routes nearby, so they’re bound to enjoy their time with us as much as you!

Our Gwbert properties are within easy walking distance of The Gwbert Hotel & Flat Rock Bistro and The Cliff Hotel & Spa, offering great restaurants and bars, as well as state of the art leisure facilities, within easy reach.

Our St Dogmaels property, Green Meadow, is located a picturesque, riverside village. Located just a 15 minute drive from Gwbert and 5 minutes from the market town of Cardigan.

The Angel Hotel offers stylish, comfortable, and affordable accommodation, right in the centre of the historic market town of Cardigan.

Comprising of 8 bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Each bedroom features a TV, Tea & Coffee making facilities, Iron, Hairdryer and Fresh Towels on arrival. The rooms are located above our extensive bar area, with pool tables and lounge seating. The hotel has a Function Room, available for private hire suitable for any event or celebration.

Whilst we don’t have a restaurant on site and therefore do not serve breakfast we are however, conveniently positioned so that a short stroll will provide you with plenty of lovely places to eat, enjoying the unique atmosphere of Cardigan town centre.

The Grosvenor is a traditional pub, situated on the edge of the River Teifi, opposite Cardigan Castle. Serving traditional pub food, with a warm and friendly atmosphere it’s the perfect place to stop for a drink or bite to eat before exploring the historic market town of Cardigan.