In one of the most talked-about moments of the Gavin and Stacey finale, the creators went all out to ensure Sonia’s ill-fated hen party for her engagement to Smithy radiated glitz and drama.
Cardiff’s lavish Parkgate Hotel played a starring role, transforming its luxurious Telegraph Suite into a vision of floral arrangements and balloon garlands. This stunning setup hosted key scenes, including an awkward ‘Mr and Mrs’ quiz and an unexpected appearance by a less-than-welcome stripper.
The Parkgate Hotel, a striking property with 169 rooms, showcased its involvement in last Christmas’s most-watched TV event on Instagram. While the hotel’s rates start at £90 a night, its Telegraph Suite is a standout offering, catering to private dining and events for up to 50 guests. The suite provides guests with a glimpse into its culinary creations while complementing The Sorting Room restaurant and the hotel’s chic bar.
Laura Aikman, who played Sonia, revealed the extreme lengths taken to keep her role under wraps. She was housed separately from the cast, used decoy vehicles for transport, and was even excluded from wrap parties and screenings to preserve the surprise of her character’s return. In the Christmas episode, Sonia’s planned wedding to Smithy shocked fans, occurring five years after Nessa’s unforgettable proposal to him in the 2019 cliffhanger. Despite the surprises, the finale earned widespread praise as the “perfect ending.”
The Parkgate Hotel, a former post office and county court, also celebrated its own success, being named AA Hotel of the Year for Wales in September. This prestigious award, previously held by Tenby’s Penally Abbey, places it among iconic establishments like London’s The Dorchester.
Located on Westgate Street, the five-star Parkgate Hotel blends modern luxury with historical charm. Its thermal spa, offering breathtaking views of Cardiff from the top floor, and the preserved original signage at its entrance pay tribute to its rich heritage, making it a standout destination in the city.
