Ynyshir, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in west Wales, has received the highest hygiene rating of five stars following an inspection in February, a significant improvement from its initial one-star rating in November.
The initial inspection, conducted by Ceredigion County Council, cited concerns regarding the restaurant's layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities, and pest control. The report noted that proper checks were not in place for serving raw lobster, a rug in the kitchen was difficult to clean, and the management of ingredients such as birch tree sap, aged pigeon, and wild garlic was deemed inadequate. Inspectors also observed a dirty knife used for preparing beef and an accumulation of flies in the prep room.
Following the inspection, officials stated that 'major improvement' was required in food safety management and facility cleanliness.
In response to the report, the restaurant's head chef, Gareth Ward, stated that immediate changes were made. "We take this outcome seriously and have already addressed these points in full," a spokesperson for Ynyshir said. "We are currently working closely and cooperatively with Environmental Health and have requested an early reinspection."
Ward suggested that the initial low rating may have stemmed from a misunderstanding of the restaurant's specialized culinary practices, particularly its use of sashimi and dry-aged fish. "We buy in the best ingredients from around the world and a lot of it I serve raw," Ward explained. "I’m buying sashimi-grade fish from Japan and they’re questioning, 'Well, we don’t know the water, so how do we know it’s sashimi grade?' Well, it is sashimi grade, this stuff’s eaten raw all over the world, and just because our rules don’t fit their rules, they’re questioning it."
Ynyshir is known for its unique dining experience, offering a 30-course meal that can take up to five hours to consume. The restaurant does not accommodate dietary restrictions, stating that "The experience is not suitable for those with food allergies, intolerances, and dislikes."
Changes implemented after the initial report included installing an additional hand-washing sink in the fish preparation area and rectifying administrative procedures. The restaurant emphasized its commitment to safety and quality, with Ward noting his 27 years of experience and the open nature of the kitchen, which he described as "immaculate."
Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms became Wales' first two-star Michelin restaurant in 2022, having received its first star eight years prior. The restaurant's operational methods are influenced by Japanese ingredients and methodologies, involving specialized preparation and handling practices that differ from conventional kitchen operations.