INSPIRATIONAL businesses from across Gwynedd have swept up at a recent tourism awards extravaganza.

Popular restaurant group Dylan’s, which has served 350,000 diners and spent £1.3 million with north Wales suppliers this year, was honoured with a top award for its massive contribution to tourism in the region.

Dylan’s, which has three seaside restaurants in Criccieth, Menai Bridge, and Llandudno received the Special Recognition Award at the 2018 Go North Wales Tourism Awards.

The glittering ceremony at Venue Cymru, Llandudno was organised by North Wales Tourism which represents more than 1,500 tourism-related members across the area.

Other winners included the iconic hotel at the Italianate village of Portmeirion which was named as the best hotel, with Taldraeth, in Penrhydeudraeth, being crowned B&B/Inn of the Year.

Meanwhile, Forest Holidays in Beddgelert won the title of best self-catering accommodation while the Talyllyn Railway picked up the marketing gong.

Dylan’s now employs 170 staff and has invested £400,000 in a central kitchen to improve quality, efficiency and consistency.

With an eye on the environment, Dylan’s also ran a plastic-free bar campaign across the business and organised monthly beach clean-ups in Criccieth and Llandudno.

David Evans, who runs the restaurant chain with business partner Robin Hodgson, said: “It’s wonderful to receive this Special Recognition award it really does mean a lot.

“We work closely with local producers and that enables us to celebrate everything good about north Wales, whether that’s sea food, or any other produce.

“We have three beautiful restaurants in three beautiful locations. This award is a testament to the hard work of our staff and head chefs who work closely together to keep our menu fresh and innovative.”

Portmeirion marketing manager Jana Jones said: “It was incredible just to be nominated but to win is an amazing achievement for our staff and it certainly recognises all their hard work and commitment."

See this week’s north editions for the full story and more photos, in shops and online on Thursday