Jabajak

It is not only the name of this off the beaten track hidden gem that is unique. Jabajak is many things to many people, all of them fabulous.

Just like all our Great Little Rarebits members, genuine hospitality is in its DNA, and the ever-smiling personality of the new owners shines through. It is lovely to catch up with an old friend, so we were delighted to see a freshly reinvigorated Jabajak, first discovered well over a decade ago, find a safe pair of hands, when, in September 2021, Steve and Jackie Moody, took the reins to this eclectic gem on the border of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Steve and Jackie are now sympathetically adding their own contemporary styling to the three intimate dining areas, The Smithy, The Attic and The Cowshed, as well as the cosy Landsker Bar, all formed out of the original old Drovers stone buildings. Think warm stone walls, honeyed wood beams, a roaring log burning stove and flattering candlelight.

The three upgraded gorgeous suites offer plenty of space, and with a further five individually designed bedrooms, it works as a much for a corporate retreat as a staycation. We adore the achingly romantic Grainstore with its vaulted ceiling and dreamy slipper bath. The vineyard has also been given a makeover as it has matured, and now Steve and Jackie’s boundless enthusiasm is obvious in the clear step change in what was already a well-regarded kitchen serving impeccably sourced local ingredients, with real provenance. The resident honeybees, and their own vegetable garden, make breakfast a treat. Needless to say, as accomplished winemakers, their very own tipple shows well in a wine list of rare quality and makes ‘wine-miles’ into ‘wine-metres.’

With the rugged Pembrokeshire National Park and coast about 45 minutes’ drive, and the bustling county town of Carmarthen close by, Jabajak is ideally located to explore West Wales, that said, it is tempting to stay put and watch the red kites feeding in the vineyard as the sun sets.