Gareth Ward appointed head chef at Ynyshir Hall hotel

Ynyshir Hall hotel, one of Wales' most prominent foodie destinations, has appointed Gareth Ward as its new head chef.

Ward, who replaced Paul Croasdale, has joined the 10-bedroom hotel in Eglwysfach, Powys, from the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham.

He has also previously worked at Hart's restaurant in Nottingham, Hambleton Hall in Rutland and Seaham Hall in County Durham.

Surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains, Ynyshir Hall, which was bought back by its founders Joan and Rob Reen, from the administrators of Von Essen Hotels in January 2012, currently has three-AA-rosettes and has previously held a Michelin star under three different head chefs: Adam Simmonds, Shane Hughes and Les Rennie.

The Reen's have always been keen to promote young British chefs, encouraging them to make best use of the bounty of Welsh produce, which includes seafood from Cardigan Bay, wild salmon and sewin in the nearby rivers and local venison and wild game.

A kitchen garden produces fruit, vegetables, herbs and salads, while Ward and Joan Reen in collect wild foods such as mushrooms, samphire, wood sorrel and wild garlic.

Joan Reen said: "I am delighted to welcome Gareth Ward to the family. I am so excited to nurture his culinary magic, using the very best ingredients and produce nature offers in this unique corner of Wales.

"Our new menus look divine and Gareth has some exciting plans for the Autumn. With our fabulous new rooms, and treatment rooms, this is the start of a new beginning for my beloved Ynyshir."