Machynlleth-based Ynyshir named among UK's best restaurants

Powys County Times

10-06-2025

A highly decorated Michelin Star Powys restaurant has once again been recognised among the UK's best.
The National Restaurant Awards took place on Monday (June 9), celebrating "the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK restaurant scene, honouring the best chefs and operators across the country".
Awards handed out at the annual event included:
National Restaurant of the Year
Gastropub of the Year
Chef of the Year
Cocktail List of the Year
Wine List of the Year
Opening of the Year
Best Restaurant in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (four individual awards)
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A list of the UK's top 100 restaurants was also revealed, featuring one Powys restaurant - Ynyshir.
Why Ynyshir is among the UK's best restaurants
Ynyshir was ranked the ninth best restaurant in the country at the National Restaurant Awards and was also named the best in Wales.
It was commended for its "in-your-face" Asian-influenced tasting menu and "rambunctious" atmosphere.
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The Awards website says: "Located just south of Snowdonia National Park on the western edge of mid Wales, Ynyshir is surrounded by rhododendron bushes and undulating yet carefully trimmed lawns.
"Yet this is not your typical country house hotel, as its black painted brickwork hints at.
"The intimate dining room is stripped back and a little Japandi in feel with a fully-open kitchen where diners can watch the brigade at work."
Ynyshir chef Gareth Ward is a protégé of the Nottinghamshire-based Sat Bains, and cooks "uncompromisingly edgy, Asian-influenced food" described as "ingredient-led" and "flavour driven".
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The Awards website adds: "This is an entirely accurate description, but one that doesn't quite do justice to Ward's explosive cooking.
"His approach is strikingly different to the norm – a peculiar but effective marriage of top-quality produce, Asian flavours and unusual technique served in a succession of tiny bites.
"To dine at Ynyshir is to have more than a meal, it is an experience unlike any other on these shores.
"The in-house DJ (surely the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in Europe to employ one?) keeps things lively, playing a set that reads the vibe of the room, with a glitter ball put into action as the night unfolds.
"Anywhere else this might not work, but at Ynyshir and under the spell of Ward's supreme cooking, it's something to savour."
Customers agree Ynyshir is "absolutely amazing"
It's not just the experts who love Ynyshir, but customers as well, with the Machynlleth-based restaurant boasting a 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 459 reviews.
One person, commenting about their experience at Ynyshir, said: "What an extraordinary visit.
"Staying overnight is definitely worth it. Everything was exceptional, and the team went above and beyond. The DJ was spot on, and we absolutely loved the music.
"This place is, without a doubt, the best restaurant (with rooms) in the UK for me."
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While another guest added: "Can't wait to go back!
"Wow, this restaurant certainly lives up to its reputation had the most amazing time, food was exceptional, DJ played great music throughout the experience and what a lovely man Gareth Ward is who took the time to chat to people.