‘END OF AN ERA’FOR FORMER MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANT
A FORMER Michelin-starred restaurant has closed permanently, but will leave a lasting impact on the food scene in Wales.
Chris and Gunna Chown bought Plas Bodegroes near Pwllheli and turned it from a private home into a restaurant with rooms.
They opened in August 1986 and “very nearly went bust” by November.
But after that initial difficult period they went on to create one of the finest restaurants in Wales – holding a Michelin star for 14 years, still a record in the nation.
Over that time famed guests included Demi Moore, Dizzee Rascal and Anthony Hopkins and they were named Welsh restaurant of the year.
Its legacy will be the talented chefs who came through the kitchen – including TV chef Bryn Williams, Steve Stephens (Sosban and the Old Butchers) and Mark Threadgill, head chef at Portmeirion.
They were the only Michelinstarred restaurant in Wales when they received their first star but this year there are five.
The couple have had the site up for sale for several years and secured planning to revert back to a private home.
Now they have announced that after 34 years they will not reopen after lockdown – converting the commercial kitchen into a smaller domestic one.
The hardest part of the decision was telling the restaurant’s 14 staff.
Chris Chown, 63, said: “It is the end of an era but I feel we have left a very
good legacy.
“The restaurant still holds the record in Wales for holding a Michelin star, at 14 years.
“We have left a legacy with the chefs that have come through the kitchen and some of the dishes created here.”
He added: “The hardest part has been telling our staff, that has been a real wrench.
“We have had a very loyal staff with a small staff turnover, one staff member has been here for 34 years.”
He added: “When we came here we turned a private house into a restaurant with rooms and now we are turning it back.
“We have gone full circle and have been involved from the start to the finish.”
They will remain in the house for the time-being, potentially using it as a holiday let during the peak season.