HOLYWELL Jamaican restaurant 'Up A Yard' has won the Best World Cuisine category at the Wales Food Awards for the first time.

Charlotte Stanley, 27, started her own restaurant after opening the business during lockdown as a delivery and takeaway service. 

The Leader:

She is both the owner and the chef of the restaurant, cooking as well as managing behind the scenes of her business. 

Charlotte said: "Up A Yard is so much more than just a restaurant. It's a place people feel comfortable and welcome through music, food and good times.

"It's an open kitchen so I get to socialise with the customers which is the best. And we offer weekends of live music and fresh cocktails."

The Leader:

When asked about her recent award, she said: "I'm still over the moon about it, I feel like I'm on cloud nine.

"I've worked so hard to get to where I am now and I knew there were lots of amazing restaurants and food outlets attending the awards so I really didn't expect to win.

"I feel so blessed that all of my lovely customers recognise all the hard work and love the food and vibe at Up A Yard."

The Leader:

The business started when Charlotte started feeding the elderly back on Christmas Day 2022 from a local community centre.

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Charlotte offers a unique Jamaican experience at her restaurant situated next to St Winefrides Well where she still works locally with the Church at Christmas to offer free meals and cooking classes to local non-profitable organisations.

As well as Holywell High students visiting the restaurant for classes, Charlotte also visits local primary schools to offer culture and tasting sessions.

She is excited to welcome familiar faces as well as new customers as her business continues to grow.