Glyn and Menna Heulyn, owners of the iconic Harbourmaster Hotel in Aberaeron, have sold the business after 20 years.

They say the employment of all 34 members of staff is secure.

The new owners are Wells and Louise Jones, of The Cliff Hotel and Spa, The Gwbert Hotel & Flat Rock Bistro, Gwbert Holidays, The Grosvenor and The Angel Hotel; as a collective forming FlatRock Group.

Glyn said: “We are delighted that the Harbourmaster will remain in the ownership of a local couple, and we wish them, and all of the staff continued success for the future.

“The Harbourmaster has been central to our lives for the last 20 years.

"Little did we think that when we bought the Harbourmaster building in 2001 that we’d share the journey with so many talented individuals who’ve joined us on the way and contributed so much, in every department – as managers, chefs, bar staff, waiters and housekeepers.

"Many former employees have moved on and set up their own successful businesses."

Menna added: “Our dream at the beginning was simply to create a welcoming, cool, stylish place to stay, and to eat and drink the best of local produce.

"As locals who had grown up here, we knew that the location was second to none. We hoped it would help put Aberaeron on the map”.

Over the last 20 years it has been a regular feature in the UK newspapers, on television programmes such as The Holiday Programme.

It was the focus of the S4C series Teulu and featured in Wales Tourism advertising campaigns.

As one of the early boutique hotels in Wales it has encouraged many others to follow suit and has been regarded as a trendsetter in many ways.