A tiny restaurant named among the best in Wales has reopened as an eight-seat venue in Machynlleth.
Gwen, the sister restaurant to Michelin-starred Ynyshir, is now welcoming diners under chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, offering a small-scale, seasonal menu.
Ynyshir owner Gareth Ward revealed in April that the former Michelin star-winning chef would be taking over, after previous head chef and Great British Menu finalist Corrin Harrison stepped away. He said securing Sanchez-Iglesias felt like signing a global football star.
The restaurant is just three metres wide and serves only eight people at a time. Food is prepared by a team of two - Sanchez-Iglesias and his assistant, Finn Langley, a student at Coleg Ceredigion.
The menu draws on the chef’s experience at restaurants including Casamia and Paco Tapas in Bristol, and Decimo in London.
Set around two open kitchens, diners move through the space as the meal progresses. The dishes mix his background with a range of influences, using seasonal ingredients, with fire playing a key role across the 20 courses.
Dishes include Tomato Stracciatella, Hokkaido Scallop Mole Blanco, Carabineros Birria with hibiscus, and Duck Rib Al Pastor Masa.
The interior, designed by Ynyshir’s Amelia Eiriksson, has a dark, simple style, with work by local makers including custom crockery and hand-forged metalwork.
She also oversees the drinks, with front of house run by Sam Clarke. Wines are available by the glass and bottle, focusing on smaller producers.
Gwen is open from Wednesday to Saturday, with dinner starting at 6pm and lasting around three and a half hours. Guests can also book a two-night stay through Ynyshir, which includes meals at both restaurants.
