Wales' only two-Michelin-star restaurant, Ynyshir, has had its top food hygiene score restored after a re-inspection found it had addressed all matters raised in an earlier report. The restaurant near Machynlleth was initially given a one-star rating in January, indicating "major improvement necessary", but following a revisit in February, it was awarded five out of five.
Background and initial rating
Ynyshir made history in 2022 by becoming the first restaurant in Wales to earn two Michelin stars. It is known for its 30-course dinner experience, which takes four to five hours and costs from £468 per head. The eatery was recently praised by Saturday Morning presenter James Martin, who called it the best restaurant "anywhere in the world".
However, an inspection on November 5, 2025, by the Food Standards Agency resulted in a food hygiene score of just one out of five. In response, a spokesman for Ynyshir told WalesOnline in January 2026 that the venue took the outcome "seriously" and explained that some of its "specialised" cooking methods "differ from conventional kitchen operations". Head chef Gareth Ward also insisted he was "not embarrassed" and that the "place is immaculate".
Re-inspection and restoration
A re-inspection was carried out in February, and Ynyshir was given a five out of five rating. Ceredigion council said food hygiene inspectors were satisfied that the business had addressed all matters identified during the original inspection and had achieved the standards required to attain the top rating. Inspectors rated the "hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage" as 'very good' and rated it as 'good' in other areas like cleanliness and the management of food safety.
The full food hygiene report following the November 2025 inspection cited flies, cross-contamination risks, dirty facilities, broken equipment and misinformation as some of the reasons behind the poor rating.
Support and criticism
Food critic Giles Coren previously came out in support of the restaurant, saying Michelin-starred restaurants should not have to abide by normal health and safety rules and the guidelines should "probably be modernised". Following the November inspection, Mr Ward claimed the hygiene inspection regime is "prehistoric". The chef, who has recently announced he will be bringing fine dining to a Welsh football club, previously said his restaurant was working "at the highest standard in the world" and doing "something different" with how it had approached raw ingredients and techniques.
A statement from Ceredigion council read: "Following a revisit inspection in February 2026, Ceredigion County Council officers confirmed that Ynyshir’s food hygiene rating had increased to five, the highest rating available."
"During the revisit officers were satisfied that the business had addressed all matters identified during the original inspection and had achieved the standards required to attain the top rating."
"This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of the food hygiene inspection process and the positive results that can be achieved through constructive engagement between regulatory officers and food businesses to improve standards."
Ynyshir was immediately notified of its revised rating and the updated score was published on the Food Standards Agency website, where it has been available for public viewing since March 2026.
