A Welsh restaurant has been named the UK’s best for the second year running at a prestigious awards ceremony. Last year Ynyshir became the first restaurant outside of England to win at the National Restaurant Awards 2022 – and now they have done it again.
The restaurant, near Machynlleth in Powys, was described by judges as "combining a thumping soundtrack with a succession of tiny plates of punchy, Japan-influenced cuisine cooked over fire" and praised for providing "a culinary experience like no other". Restaurant editor Stefan Chomka said: “Ynyshir really is a restaurant like no other – where fun and fine dining combine for a truly remarkable experience.
“Gareth Ward’s singular vision for what a restaurant can be, and his willingness to break down boundaries, are to be applauded. He leads by example by never missing a service and he and his team are very worthy winners of this title again.” For the latest restaurant news from Wales, sign up to our newsletter
Chef and owner Gareth Ward, originally from County Durham, has turned Ynyshir into a true destination restaurant for foodies since taking over in 2013. It has two Michelin stars, five AA rosettes, and top ranking in Wales in the Harden’s Guide.
The Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards is Restaurant’s annual countdown of the top 100 restaurants in the UK as voted for by the UK’s leading chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers. Last year was the first time in 16 years that a restaurant outside of England had won the award.
The annual awards, held at London’s Hurlingham Club on June 12, were dominated by the London restaurant scene with 54 restaurants in the top 100 list being in the English capital and only three in the top 10 located in other parts of the UK.
Mr Chomka described Gareth's achievements as "remarkable". He said: "Taking on a restaurant located in a traditional country house hotel and putting such a personal and edgy stamp on it was a bold, brave move – a real statement of intent – but one that has really paid off. Ynyshir is without doubt one of the most unique and exciting places to eat in the UK at the moment, possibly in the world, and is a very worthy winner."
James Healey, UK head of on-trade for Estrella Damm, said: “We are amazed at the array of incredible talent who are all fully deserving of this recognition of being the very best in the UK. We are honoured to share our passion for brewing with the best restaurants in the UK who also clearly share our devotion to quality and taste in all that they do. We hope this list encourages everyone to get out and support each and every one of these restaurants and join us in celebrating the success of the industry.”
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