Gareth Ward reveals plans to open pub alongside Ynyshir

Gareth Ward – chef-patron of Ynyshir in Machynlleth, Powys – is hoping to open a pub alongside the restaurant, which became Wales’ first two-Michelin-starred restaurant earlier this week.

“Our ambition is to turn some of the land behind the restaurant [into a pub]. Planning permission is nearly done and we want to have it open by the end of this year,” he told The Caterer.

“The overheads are massive at Ynyshir and the land will help pay its way.”

The space is currently an old farm and barn. Ward said he plans to name the pub the Legless Thatch – a playful take on the village name Eglwys Fach.

Ward arrived at Ynyshir in 2013 and gained a Michelin star in his first full year, as well as being awarded The Good Food Guide 2015 ‘Chef to Watch' editor's award. John and Jenny Talbot bought former co-owner Rob Reen's share in the business in May 2016.

Previously known as Ynyshir Hall and operated as a hotel with a fine-dining restaurant, the property was relaunched as a restaurant with rooms in the autumn of 2016. In 2017, Ward took a share in the business together with his partner and creative director Amelia Eiriksson, becoming business partners with the Talbots, and oversaw a refurbishment of the property.