Suddenly we're tv stars for the day

There are times when, to write this diary, I have had to think long and hard about what exactly has happened in the previous six weeks… but not this time.

To start with, we were invited to submit an entry into the True Taste of Wales Food and Drink Awards held at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Three weeks after sending our entry off, HTV Wales called to arrange a day's filming at the Bricklayers Arms. It was a brilliant day. We met some wonderful people, and being the centre of attention helped a little. It was broadcast late in the evening, a little disappointing, but we were pleased with the results.

We were awarded the bronze award in our category, which attracted more than 500 entries.

On the way to the awards ceremony we stopped off for lunch at the Foxhunter in Nant-y-derry just outside Newport. If you are anywhere near there, go - it was absolutely superb. We met the owners Matt and Lisa, a wonderfully hospitable couple and we hope to go again soon.

Also within the last month Peter, Rob's part-time assistant chef, whose services we recently acquired from Coleg Powys in Newtown, entered the Mid-Wales Chef of the Year competition held in the Cambrian Training Centre of Excellence. Peter is in his mid-30s and changed his career from traffic warden to chef only eight months ago.

He practised his chosen dishes extremely hard and took the criticism well on his first couple of attempts. He walked away with a well deserved silver medal on the day and impressed the judges with his presentation and attention to detail.

Peter was concerned on the day about letting down the people who had supported him throughout his short period in the industry. There was no need - he held together well and everyone was very proud of him, including his parents who had travelled from Manchester for the day.

We have been looking around for short placements to send Peter on to accelerate his learning, and have been in contact with a few places. However, if there are any quality establishments out there willing to offer a placement for a couple of days (we would cover the cost of travel and salary) I know Peter would be very keen and interested to hear from you.

We are fast approaching the end of the year and can reflect on an interesting and productive 12 months. We can see where we are and decide on our plans and direction for the forthcoming year.

But for the moment, let's just deal with the festive season in all its joy and good spirits and see what Santa brings. n

Sara Pezzack is the proprietor of the Bricklayers Arms, Montgomery, Powys

Next diary from Sara Pezzack: 23 January