Great British Menu 2022 chefs: Nathan Davies, Wales heat
Lewis Welburn steps down as head chef at Ynyshir
Gareth Ward, Ynyshir: 'Michelin need to look at things a bit differently. It's great to see that they're starting to do that'
Gareth Ward, Chef Patron, Restaurant Gareth Ward at Ynyshir
Lewis Welburn has stepped down as head chef at two Michelin-starred, 5 AA Rosette Ynyshir four years at Gareth Ward's restaurant with Rooms in Eglwysfach, Wales
The chef joined the team as a chef de partie, prior to which he worked at James Close's restaurant, The Raby Hunt. Whilst at Ynyshir, he also staged at Jonnie Boer's three Michelin-starred De Librije in the Netherlands and at The Black Swan at Oldstead.
Ynyshir won its second star in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2022, which Lewis said "was the proudest moment of my life so far, and I'm incredibly blessed to be part of the amazing family that achieved this."
The chef is yet to announce his next move, but thanked the team at Ynyshir - with special mentions to Corrin Harrison, director of drinks Rory Eaton, Charlie Wilson, Tim Foster, and chef owner Gareth Ward, "for teaching me everything you know and always pushing me to be the best I can be. Carry on pushing just as hard as you all do everyday and I’m incredibly proud of all of you.
"I’m excited to stay in touch with all of you in the future and see where our friendships take us.
"3 stars soon. (I’m sure)"
Gareth, meanwhile, posted his goodbyes on social media, saying: "This guy, [Lewis Welburn], what can I say, it is not goodbye it is see you later son. My boy, cut this guy in half and he would bleed Ynyshir. The most incredibly talented chef I have ever met and still only 21, this guy is going to rock this industry.
"I [f**king] love you son I am here for you always and one day I know you will be by my side once again."
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Lewis Welburn steps down as head chef at Ynyshir
Great British Menu 2022 chefs: Nathan Davies, Wales heat
Gareth Ward, Ynyshir: 'Michelin need to look at things a bit differently. It's great to see that they're starting to do that'
Gareth Ward, Chef Patron, Restaurant Gareth Ward at Ynyshir
