The famous pastel-painted architecture, sparkling harbour and burgeoning artisan food scene make Aberaeron a must-see. For over a decade The Hive Bar and Kitchen, owned by brothers Rhys and Rhodri, boasts one of the very best locations on the quayside, and some of the very best honey ice cream in Wales. Now they also offer some of the very best spaces to stay in too.
Just over the road from the relaxed dining room and bar where breakfast is served, is the three-storey corner plot of the brand new Townhouse, a stylish renovation of an historic building into six modern suites with double aspect views over the waterfront. The atmosphere is seaside Scandinavian vibe, where traditional Georgian style and on-trend luxury go hand in hand. Original exposed stone walls work with the luxe velvet headboards, marble bathroom vanity units seem to sit well with contemporary art from local artist, Lola Chapman.
All six rooms make the most of the calming coastal light, using soft shade and high-end fabrics to reflect the colours off the water. Vulcan, in common with all the rooms, named with a nod to the town’s maritime and shipbuilding past, is on the top floor. This corner suite is a showstopper, a stunning copper roll top bath tub with harbour views is a centrepiece, but there’s also a separate monsoon shower in the quirky en-suite. A combination of a dreamy king size bed, hand-made furniture, and a complimentary mini-bar that boasts some of the legendary ice cream, make this a space that’s hard to leave.
For that special treat, try and book Cadwgan on the ground floor. The rich green velvety textures coupled with some clever indirect lighting add warmth to the exposed stone and compliment the slate of the toasty fireplace.
Buzzing eateries abound in and around the harbour, but the consistently excellent sister business The Hive is curated by the brothers with the same attention to detail. The cocktails are to die for, critically acclaimed Cardigan Bay shellfish features daily and there’s a cracking wine list, so there’s no need to stray too far afield.
