'Tiny, intimate' bistro is named Wales' top eatery

WALES has five venues in the Top 100 UK Restaurants list - with an intimate bar bistro the best in the country.

- OWEN HUGHES

Now in its 35th year, Harden's is a prestigious UK restaurant guide based entirely on 30,000 reports from regular diners, rather than professional critics.

This year's Welsh results highlight an intriguing shift. While Gareth Ward's globally renowned Ynyshir maintains its acclaim, it is his smaller, younger venture Gwen that has emerged as Wales' leading restaurant.

This was named the best in Wales and came in at 24 across the UK. The restaurant is situated in the heart of Machynlleth and is just three metres wide and only has eight diners at a time.

It was described as "an awesome setup" and "more accessible than Ynyshir but equally inspirational", and Gwen has quickly become a must-visit destination.

Harden's said: "Only three metres wide, the venue pairs a casual drop-in wine bar with an intimate dining space behind a curtain, where eight guests enjoy a 10-course menu cooked and served around an open kitchen by chef Corrin Harrison."

Diners consistently praise the experience as "tiny... intimate... unforgettable" with a" perfect blend of top quality and enjoyment".

At number two in Wales and at 62 on the UK list was Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms, Eglwys Fach, near Machynlleth.