58. Hammet House

Founders: Owen Gale and Philippa Gale
Founded: October 2011
Website: www.hammethouse.co.uk

For many people, the phrase “country house hotel” conjures up images of floral carpets, dusty chandeliers and a stuffy, traditional atmosphere, and it was when looking for a wedding venue that entrepreneurial couple Owen and Philippa Gale decided to open a retreat that challenged these ‘fuddy duddy’ stereotypes. Describing itself as a “funky, fresh venue” for discerning guests looking for a stylish retreat, Hammet House combines Georgian architecture and a beautiful location in rural Pembrokeshire with all the latest mod cons – from flatscreen TVs and Egyptian cotton in all the bedrooms to an ultra-modern bar and restaurant space.

Head chef and “kitchen superstar” Andy Beaumont adds a touch of culinary class to the equation, bringing his experience of multiple Michelin-starred venues to offer guests a quality, cosmopolitan selection of food and drink. Generating revenues of more than £400,000 in 2013, the Gales plan to invest in further refurbishments to Hammet House across the next 12 months as they continue towards their goal of offering true urban sophistication in a rural setting.