Nathan Davies to leave Michelin-starred SY23

Nathan Davies has announced he will step down as head chef of Michelin-starred SY23 in Aberystwyth, Wales.

Davies took to Instagram this morning to announce he will leave SY23 and part way with its parent company Why Not Bar and Lounge Ltd, calling it a “bit of a sad day”.

The chef-owner launched the mid-Wales restaurant just over four years ago and has since taken it to critical acclaim, gaining a Michelin star in 2022, which followed a successful appearance on Great British Menu.

He said in a video published to Instagram that while the restaurant continues to "grow and grow," the business had “changed fairly significantly recently”. He has spoken to the owners about his departure, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.

“What a journey and what an amazing place we’ve created,” said Davies who prior to SY23 worked alongside Gareth Ward as head chef of two-Michelin-star Ynyshir in Machynlleth, Powys, where he cooked for four years.

“The biggest highlight of my career has been the appointment here as the head chef and building this restaurant.

“I’ll take so much of what I’ve learnt here on towards wherever it is I head next and it’s been my absolute honour and privilege to take care of every single person who has come through the door and to be able to cook for you and care for you. And one day I’ll open another place and I’ll be there at the stove, at the barbecue, to welcome you back.”

Click here to read The Caterer's Menuwatch on SY23.