The very first Bar 44, Britain's second-longest running tapas bar group, celebrated its 17th year on Cowbridge High Street yesterday.

Bar 44 was founded by brothers Tom and Owen Morgan in 2002.

Their journey, inspired by holidays to the shores of Spain, has involved opening restaurants in Penarth, Cardiff and Bristol as well as Asador 44, a Northern Spanish Grill and Wine House in Cardiff. All told the business employs 120 people.

Tom Morgan explains what inspired the beginnings of Bar 44. ''From childhood holidays whilst growing up, we loved visiting the chiringuitos on the beach in Spain and snacking on sardines cooked over coals and freshly marinated boquerones in between dips in the sea.

''We always thought that a tapas bar in Wales could change the landscape and bring something new and exciting. I believe we are now the second longest-running tapas bar in the UK.''

Cowbridge, the hometown of the two brothers, turned out to be the perfect place for the business to start.

Tom Morgan explained, ''even though we were situated on the first floor above the High Street, it was really important that we could rely on friends and family to support us.''

''The local community has also been absolutely integral to our success, without our regulars and support from local businesses and residents, we wouldn't be where we are now.''

Bar 44 has been running at a time where business has seen a lot of ups and downs. The economic climate has not always been easy.

Their continued success, despite these difficulties, is summed up by Tom Morgan: ''I think the fact that we always strive to improve our offering in every aspect (quality of food, drink, service, atmosphere, staff welfare, hygiene), every single day keeps us on top of our game. 

''We want to be a fantastic company to work for and, as well as our amazing customers, our staff are the most important part of the Bar 44 experience.''

It hasn't always been plain sailing for the family business. ''The hardest aspect of running a hospitality business is criticism that inevitably comes your way, you can never, ever please everyone'', said Mr. Morgan.

''It can get very personal, however, I am most proud of how we deal with criticism and use it as a springboard to improve ourselves - Bar 44 is continually evolving and the direction of this is often down to perceived weaknesses (rightly or wrongly) being pointed out to us.''

''Every business has its ups and downs.  However, we made the decision a long time ago to reinvest all of our money back into the business. 

''Any profit goes back into staff training and educational trips back to Spain, refurbishments and launching new sites. 

''We don't have any investors and very little debt.

''As a family run business, it is imperative that we carry on in the same vein moving forward. 

''Even politics can add to the business's challenges ''Brexit is causing a lot of headaches, but we will get through it and hopefully prosper.''

Tom Morgan also discusses the tapas market, which has made quite an impact on the UK's eating scene in recent years.

He said: ''Its strange, whilst it may seem as though tapas is everywhere (most pubs do a little bit of it now), at the top end of the market, there are really only a few quality operators offering interesting, modern and authentic tapas in the UK. 

So, where is there to go from here? "I would like to think that the basics of hospitality - great food, drink and service - will ensure that, whatever the cuisine, quality will out.''

The menus in Bar 44 are certainly eclectic but they do have a few fan favourites. Tom said, ''In terms of sales, patatas bravas and jamon croquetas are the most popular. 

''However, what is great is that even some of the lower selling dishes are special to customers. 

''I remember when we took chicken livers cooked in sherry off the menu in Cowbridge - there was uproar. They were back on the menu the next day.''

What is in store for the next coming years?

''At the moment, we are planning a series of upgrades in the current bars - we are always evolving.