Ynyshir follow-up Gwen to close after three years

Gwen restaurant in Machynlleth, Wales, which was launched Ynyshir co-founders Gareth Ward and Amelia Eiriksson, is set to close its doors next month.

Head chef Corrin Harrison (pictured), who is on the current BBC series of Great British Menu, said that after an “amazing” three years, the time had come to close the restaurant.

Gwen was launched in 2023 with Harrison as head chef. In a statement online, he credited Ward and Eiriksson for giving him “full creative freedom over the food, drinks and overall vibe of the restaurant”.

The 10-seat restaurant serves a 10-course tasting menu, and was named best restaurant in Wales in the 2025 Harden’s guide.

Harrison said: “The chance to close the doors on our own terms is something rare in this industry, and something we are incredibly proud to be able to do. It feels like the right moment to end this chapter on a high and look ahead to what comes next.

“They say it takes a community to raise a child, and the same goes for a restaurant, and what a community Machynlleth is! Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.”

Gwen, which took over the former Twenty One restaurant site, is located around six miles from Ynyshir. It is named after Ward’s mother. 

Photo: BBC/Optomen Television Limited/Kate Hollingsworth