TWO Pembrokeshire hoteliers are celebrating their fifth anniversary of becoming bosses of the business where they were both employed.

Malcolm Brace and Pat Jenkins were both staff members at Tenby’s Giltar Hotel when the chance came up to buy the premises.

Since 2009, they have been working on a programme that has seen a makeover of the dining room and restaurant area, as well as a major bedroom transformation project. The hotel has also notched up a hat-trick of Wales in Bloom wins for its floral features.

The five-year anniversary has been marked with a new lounge bar for both residents and non-residents, which has been christened The Cwtch following a naming competition on Facebook.

“It just seems a natural way to describe the bar - it’s cosy and welcoming,” said Malcolm. “We knocked the old lounge through into a storeroom, and it’s just worked so well. The décor is by Linda Hunt of Meigan Design, who has been in charge of all our refurbishments, and with the views over the sea to Caldey Island, it’s an absolute dream to be in there.”

The hotel currently has a 3* Visit Wales status, with Malcolm and Pat’s aim being to reach the prestigious 4* standard.

“I would say we’re two thirds of the way through the work that needs to be done,” said Malcolm. “It’s taken a lot of investment and a lot of hard work. We’ve always seen the potential of the Giltar, and it’s wonderful to be able to bring that vision to life.”