A Powys restaurant has claimed the prestigious top spot at the 2023 National restaurant Awards.

Ynyshir, the restaurant from chef-patron Gareth Ward located in Machynlleth, took home the number one spot in a list of the UK’s best restaurants.

This is the second year in a row that Mr Ward’s restaurant, the only double Michelin star awarded establishment in Wales, has comer out on top in the awards.

Known as one of the most highly coveted awards within the industry, the National Restaurant Awards is an annual event which lists the UK’s top 100 restaurants, with special awards presented to the highest placing establishments.

The awards are voted by a panel of judges from across the hospitality and media industries.

Reacting to the win, Mr Ward said: “To be honest we’re a bit speechless, we’re absolutely blown away.

“I am so, so proud of the Ynishir team, past and present, because obviously it’s a whole journey and not just about now.

“I’m hugely proud of everyone involved who has contributed to getting Ynishir to where it is now.

“All I can say is let’s keep going, keep pushing, and see what else we can achieve in this little corner of Wales.”

In their praise of Ynishir, the National Restaurant Awards said: “Ynyshir is the antithesis of a boring country house hotel, offering a tasting menu of in-your-face, Asian-influenced food and a rambunctious atmosphere.

“Ward’s approach is strikingly different to the norm – a peculiar but effective marriage of top-quality produce, Asian flavours and unusual technique served in a succession of tiny bites.

“To dine at Ynyshir is to have more than a meal, it is an experience unlike any other on these shores.

“The in-house DJ (surely the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in Europe to employ one?) keeps things lively, playing a set that reads the vibe of the room, with a glitter ball put into action as the night unfolds.

“Anywhere else this might not work, but at Ynyshir and under the spell of Ward's supreme cooking, it's something to savour.

The restaurant is run by Mr Ward’s partner and creative director Amelia Erikkson and recently expanded the business by opening another restaurant, Gwen’ in Machynlleth town centre, headed by Ynyshir chef Corrin Harrison.