Ynyshir welcomes back chef Lewis Welburn

Ynyshir, the two Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, has welcomed back Lewis Welburn, who returns to the Wales restaurant as head chef.

Welburn will work alongside chef patron Gareth Ward to lead the kitchen.

He first joined Ynyshir in 2018, but in 2022 he stepped away from the kitchen to travel. Having returned to the UK in 2024, Welburn recently worked as senior sous chef at Forge at Middleton Lodge, where he played a key role in the restaurant earning its first Michelin star the following year.

"Coming back to Ynyshir is the ultimate homecoming," says Welburn. "I first walked into this kitchen at 18 and spent five defining years here, helping the restaurant achieve its two Michelin stars. Returning now as head chef is the opportunity of a lifetime. My goal is to work closely with Gareth to push this team further than ever and celebrate the best produce in the world, ensuring every guest has the best experience possible."

Ynyshir opened in 2016 and remains Wales’ only two Michelin-starred restaurant.

"All is right in the world again," adds Ward.

Image: James Edwards

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