Discover how Teej Down and Tracy Jenkins turned a historic pub into a top restaurant in Wales
Llansteffan: You wouldn’t believe it, but a former cop and a hairdresser teamed up to create one of the best restaurants in Wales. Teej Down and Tracy Jenkins have really made a name for themselves with the Inn at the Sticks. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cozy spot that also has a hotel and deli, plus a hair salon run by Tracy.
This place has been around for ages, dating back to 1809 as a pub and 1881 as a hotel. It even got listed as a Grade II building in 2002. For a while, no one wanted to take it on until Teej stepped in about ten years ago.
After reopening in 2023, the Inn at the Sticks has quickly become an award-winning spot, recognized nationally. It’s amazing how they’ve turned it around!
Visitors can enjoy small plates made from local ingredients, paired with a fantastic selection of wines. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a favorite in the Llansteffan community. Teej and Tracy recently shared their journey with WalesOnline, and it’s inspiring.
This year alone, they’ve been named business of the year for Carmarthen, won Best Bistro in West Wales, and even made it into the Good Food Guide. They’ve been recognized as one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK and the best local restaurant in Wales. Tracy mentioned how they met six years ago and how it was always her dream to run a place like this.
Teej, who was a police officer for 12 years, took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for food. She started working in a bistro and fell in love with the culinary world. After buying the Inn, she spent a year renovating it, pouring her heart into the project.
She recalls finding a photo from 1840 that inspired the design. It was a labor of love, with plenty of hard work involved. After a brief stint leasing it out, she reopened the Inn with Tracy in June 2023. Tracy, who was a successful hairdresser in Cardiff, embraced the change and fell in love with village life.
Tracy had to make a tough choice, leaving her salon behind, but she believed in Teej’s vision. Now, they’re both thriving in Llansteffan, enjoying the community and the slower pace of life. Tracy loves being part of the local choir and feels right at home.
They’ve created a welcoming space where everyone can feel comfortable, whether they’re dressed up or just coming in from a walk on the beach. The recognition they’ve received means a lot to them, especially since they want to make fine dining accessible to everyone.
