The Welsh steak restaurant ranked among the world’s best

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

A Welsh steak restaurant has been ranked 55th in the prestigious 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants list.

BLOK, located at Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa in Pontyclun, has been included among top-tier establishments in cities such as Sydney, Hong Kong, and Buenos Aires.

Headed by Executive Head Chef James Milward and Head of Food & Beverage Amedeo Caterino, BLOK’s achievement comes just 18 months after serving its first diners.

Jonathan Smith, Managing Director of Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa, said: “It’s hard to put into words how proud we are.

“This achievement feels like just the beginning for us. We’re excited to continue growing and sharing the best of what we do, and we’re so grateful to our team, our guests, and our community for helping us get here.”

BLOK’s menu features an array of steaks cooked over a charcoal grill, as well as Sunday lunch dining experiences, available to all—whether guests of Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa or not.

In a statement following the recognition, a BLOK spokesperson said: “This recognition feels even more special because we’re based in the Valleys of South Wales, a small corner of the world that often doesn’t get the same culinary spotlight as major cities.

“We’re proud to represent Wales on a global stage, especially with Cardiff being the only major city in the country.

“It’s an amazing moment for the region and for the people who are working so hard behind the scenes.

“For us, this recognition is more than just a ranking, it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in such a short time and a reminder of what’s possible when we work together with passion and dedication. We can’t wait to see what comes next.”