A restaurant based in a former printworks has become only the third in Wales to be awarded a prestigious Michelin accolade. Yr Hen Printworks in Cardigan has become the latest winner of the Bib Gourmand award, which recognises “establishments that serve good food at moderate prices”.
The restaurant only opened in June 2021, but has already received critical acclaim for its small plates menu which features locally sourced ingredients. The venue on Carrier's Lane in the town centre was originally the stone-built Old Hope Chapel and later became the printworks for the local newspaper, before undergoing a complete renovation two years ago.
It has proved a welcome addition to the area's thriving food scene, with the Michelin Guide describing it as a "real gem". Get the latest food and drink news, reviews and interviews delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our weekly Food & Drink newsletter.
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Announcing the award, the Michelin Guide said: "A stone-built chapel and later, a printworks, this building has been lovingly restored and now houses the modern Yr Hen Printworks restaurant. Small plates are the order of the day and some of the meats come from their family farm; smoking and pickling techniques are also a feature."
The guide also described the venue as "fresh and modern", adding: "This is a real gem. They know how to grill, smoke and pickle; the triple-cooked chips are great; and the desserts really hit the spot. Their strapline is ‘Drink, Dine, Unwind’ and you can easily do all three without breaking the bank."
Reflecting on this amazing news, Christopher Welch, Yr Hen Printworks' owner, told Wales Online: "We’ve have had a really good year here at the Printworks. We made it into the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide a few months ago which we are super proud of.
"To hear the news yesterday that we had been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand was just wonderful. We would like to thank our staff and our customers, without them the restaurant would not be what it is today.
"A special mention to our head Chef Chris Walker who puts his heart and soul into his creations in the kitchen. It’s really lovely to see the customers enjoy what Chris and his team produce. We are extremely lucky to have him."
Yr Hen Printworks' sample menu features a range of small plates including an oyster mushroom tart, Welsh lamb with mint and swede and Hafod cheese gnocchi with roast onion and black garlic. Sides also include parmesan and rosemary chips, BBQ tender stem broccoli and leek gratin.
The restaurant joins the Hare and Hounds in Aberthin and Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay as a Welsh recipient of the Bib Gourmand. The accolade, which has been awarded every year since 1997, is given to the best value for money restaurants across the world, with recipients offering a three course meal at a reasonable price.
The price limit for restaurants under consideration varies from country to country, depending on the cost of living, but Michelin inspectors "search for the same high quality, wherever they happen to be in the world". While it is not as well known as the Michelin Star, the guide adds that the award "proves that great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag".
Hare and Hounds was awarded the Bib Gourmand in 2017, two years after chef-owner Tom Watts-Jones returned to the Vale of Glamorgan having trained and worked in London for a decade. The 300-year-old gastropub was recognised for its showcasing of local meat, game and vegetables.
Meanwhile, Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias was given the accolade in 2018, with the Guide praising its "pleasingly unfussy" cooking and seafood-rich menu. It added: "If you’re after a relaxed, friendly environment, this striking beachside brasserie with faux industrial styling, blue leather banquettes and stunning sea views is the place to come. The owner is proud of his Welsh roots and it shows on the menu."
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