A Welsh restaurant has claimed the top spot at this year’s National Restaurant Awards.

Known as the most prestigious awards among restaurants, the National Restaurant Awards is an annual event that lists the UK’s top 100 restaurants with special awards given out too.

The awards are voted by a panel of judges from across the hospitality and media industries.

Ynyshir, the restaurant from chef-patron Gareth Ward located in Machynlleth, took home the number one spot.

Describing itself as "fun dining, not fine dining" and serving up a Japanese-influenced menu with a focus on cooking over fire, it's a universally acclaimed restaurant, and the result caps off what's been a big year for Ward.

The restaurant was awarded its second Michelin star in February, and has taken first place in the NRAs, firmly putting Welsh dining on the map.

"What Gareth Ward has done at Ynyshir is remarkable," says Stefan Chomka, editor of Restaurant and BigHospitality, the publications behind the NRAs.

"Taking on a restaurant located in a traditional country house hotel and putting such a personal and edgy stamp on it was a bold, brave move – a real statement of intent – but one that has really paid off.

“Ynyshir is without doubt one of the most unique and exciting places to eat in the UK at the moment, possibly in the world."

Ynyshir picked up a second Michelin star earlier this year.

The Michelin Guide’s description of the restaurant said: “Sitting geographically between Dublin and London is Ynyshir – an altogether different experience thanks to this Georgian house’s pastoral setting on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

“Here chef-owner Gareth Ward treats guests – who are all seated at the same time – to around 30 or so imaginative dishes where Asian influences abound, whether that’s duck with hoisin sauce, or miso-cured black cod.”