Welsh restaurant named runner-up in UK top 100 list
EIGHT restaurants in Wales have appeared in a new list of the UK’s top 100 – one coming in second place.
Ynyshir in Machynlleth, Powys, ranked first in the Western Mail’s own 2022 list of best Welsh restaurants, is the runner-up in the latest rankings from SquareMeal, a London-based food guide. It was pipped to top spot by Osip in Somerset.
The list has a fairly diverse geographical spread of Wales destinations including representatives from Cardiff, Gower, Aberystwyth, Penarth, Colwyn Bay and Monmouthshire. Here is a round-up of the Welsh restaurants and their positions:
SquareMeal said of Ynyshir: “Gareth Ward’s incredible mastery of live-fire cooking has secured him two Michelin stars at his Welsh restaurant. A completely unique Japanese-leaning menu guarantees plates full of personality, the likes of which you’ve never tasted before.”
SY23 in Aberystwyth, as featured in last Saturday’s Western Mail magazine, ranked 23rd. SquareMeal said: “A disciple of Gareth Ward, Nathan Davies is one of the UK’s most indemand chefs after opening his own Welsh restaurant. Here, there’s an open kitchen and a nine-course tasting menu centred around the charcoal grill.”
Home by James Sommerin in Penarth ranked 25th, with SquareMeal saying: “Home is a family affair, with the Sommerins running front and back of house. Ring the doorbell to enter, then sit back and enjoy a surprise tasting menu.”
The Beach House Restaurant in Oxwich Bay, Gower ranked 43th. SquareMeal said: “This waterside restaurant boasts stunning views of the Welsh coastline. The impressive menu is packed with locally sourced produce prepared with thought and creativity, in a kitchen headed up by Hywel Griffith.”
The Whitebrook in Monmouth ranked 48th with the SquareMeal verdict: “Chef Chris Harrod has a unique touch, cooking artful dishes which look as good as they taste. Harrod’s food is always intriguing, leaning heavily on the wild food of the Wye Valley.”
The Walnut Tree in Abergavenny ranked 55th. SquareMeal said: “The Walnut Tree is enduringly popular in Wales thanks to the gorgeous location, elegant dining room and Shaun Hill’s peerless cooking. Every ingredient is celebrated from humble herbs up to lavish cuts of meat and fish.”
Potted Pig in Cardiff ranked 82nd, with SquareMeal saying: “The enduringly popular Potted Pig is a cosy gastropub that turns out a cracking menu of comfort food classics, all whilst championing seasonal Welsh produce wherever possible.”
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in
Colwyn Bay ranked 83rd, as SquareMeal said: “With a focus on seafood and a Bib Gourmand to its name, this informal bistro-style restaurant and bar offers something for everyone at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water.”