Sosban keeps its Michelin star
THE 2023 Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland has revealed which restaurants had won a coveted star (or stars) for the next year.
Michelin stars are considered the most prestigious award in the food industry and are coveted by chefs and restaurant owners.
There were just seven restaurants from Wales who received stars this year – including Sosban and the Old Butchers of Menai Bridge, which retained its star.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said: “The Michelin Guide team is on hand and busy organising a celebration to fully reflect the talent, commitment and resilience of the British and Irish gastronomic scenes - a celebration all the more welcome in the current challenging economic climate.”
What Michelin say about Sosban and The Old Butchers, Menai Bridge:
This Anglesey restaurant has built up a wonderful reputation
in recent years and retained its one star once again.
Judges said: “Covered windows add a feeling of exclusivity to this discreet, intimate restaurant; once inside, you’ll discover an appealingly rustic room with Welsh slate walls, sheepskin-covered chairs and hand-painted animal tiles pointing back to its butcher’s shop days.
“Stephen Stevens’ well-balanced surprise menu offers boldly flavoured modern dishes with original, personal touches, which demonstrate an innate understanding of cooking techniques and flavour combinations. You’ll find a wealth of ingredients from North Wales; the portion sizes and pacing are spot on; and you’ll feel eager anticipation for each dish to arrive.”
Other star winners:
Two stars
Ynyshir, near in Powys
The Welsh restaurant made
Machynlleth history last year - becoming the nation’s first to win two Michelin stars. Now Ynyshir, near Machylleth, run by chef Gareth Ward, has retained that coveted accolade for 2023.
It remains the only site in Wales with two stars and one of just 25 in the UK and Ireland.
Judges said: “The playful surprise menu of around 30 servings blends ingredients from Wales with those from around the globe - and comes with an array of vibrant, contrasting flavours and textures.”
One star sites Aberyswyth’s SY23
Aberyswyth’s SY23 was opened in 2019 by co-owner and chef Nathan Davies. It won rave reviews since then and was last year added to the Michelin Guide for 2022.
Home, Penarth
”It’s a small, intimate space providing an immersive yet warm and friendly experience. As the name implies, it’s staffed almost exclusively by family members, with James and his daughter Georgia working together in the open kitchen.
Beach House, Oxwich
“Head Chef Hywel Griffith was born in north Wales and his passion for the country is palpable. He writes his menus in English and Welsh, and his support for the country’s farmers and fishermen is admirable”
The Walnut Tree Inn, Abergavenny
“Shaun Hill, the quintessential chef’s chef, has been here for over 20 years and has a great understanding of flavours and balance. This is bold, robust cooking using first class ingredients.”
The Whitebrook in Whitebrook, Monmouthshire
Judges said “Chef-owner Chris Harrod describes his cooking as ‘environment-led’ and 90% of his ingredients come from within 12 miles, with a focus on the kitchen garden and local artisan growers.