A chef with two Michelin stars has responded to food safety authorities following the lowest rating given to his restaurant by the Food Standards Agency. The prestigious Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms in Ceredigion, Wales, known for charging nearly £500 per head, received a one-star rating from the FSA during an inspection on November 5 last year. This rating, the lowest possible from the agency, indicates the need for significant improvement, contrasting with the restaurant’s esteemed status alongside its Michelin stars.
The chef patron of the establishment has dismissed the agency’s assessment, asserting that their standards are among the highest globally due to the unique approach taken by the restaurant. Gareth Ward, a renowned chef featured on MasterChef: The Professionals, defended the restaurant’s sourcing practices, emphasizing the use of top-quality raw ingredients from various countries, which had drawn scrutiny from inspectors.
Ward explained that the inspectors had specifically questioned the source and quality of the raw ingredients, such as sashimi-grade fish imported from Japan, highlighting a discrepancy in regulations. Additionally, the inspectors raised concerns about the aging process of certain ingredients, showing reluctance towards this practice during their visit. The FSA’s published inspection results indicated the need for major improvements in the restaurant’s food safety management, cleanliness, and facility conditions, although they deemed the food handling practices generally satisfactory.
While acknowledging some paperwork discrepancies pointed out by the inspectors, Ward remained resolute in defending the restaurant’s innovative approach, stating that deviation from conventional norms is part of their culinary philosophy. Undeterred by the FSA’s rating, Ward expressed disappointment but not embarrassment, emphasizing that pushing boundaries and offering unique experiences often entail facing such challenges. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining exceptional standards and providing a distinctive dining experience.
Ynyshir, the only Michelin-starred twin restaurant in Wales, is recognized for its distinctive culinary journey, curated by Chef Gareth Ward. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, blending global influences with top-quality ingredients, showcasing Ward’s expertise in creating vibrant and diverse dishes.