Ynyshir kitchen hygiene standards defended by chef Mark Ward after one-star rating
Chef Mark Ward defended the kitchen operations at Ynyshir, Wales’ only two-Michelin-star restaurant, after inspectors handed the venue a one-star food hygiene rating in February and ordered improvements due to concerns over raw and undercooked foods, bbc.com reported. The restaurant, located near Machynlleth in mid Wales, serves a 30-course tasting menu featuring Japanese-inspired raw dishes for nearly £500 a head. Ward addressed the scrutiny in Apple TV’s documentary series Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars, stating that the kitchen is spotless and operates above and beyond safety rules.
Inspectors identify hazards, order lobster ban at restaurant
Ceredigion council inspectors identified significant hazards that were not properly identified at the restaurant, specifically ordering Ynyshir to stop serving raw lobster during the initial review. Management of food safety and the cleanliness and condition of facilities were both categorised as needing major improvement, while hygienic food handling was rated as generally satisfactory. Inspectors also noted a dirty floor, inadequate hand-washing facilities in certain areas, and broken equipment that posed a potential contamination risk.
Restaurant addresses issues, rating reinstated
Ynyshir management stated at the time that the inspection identified minor issues typical of a busy rural countryside restaurant, which were rectified immediately. The restaurant conducted biological testing at significant cost, which it said confirmed that its techniques were safe and appropriate. By August, Ceredigion council reinstated the restaurant’s five-star hygiene rating after verifying that the business had addressed all matters identified during the original inspection.
Frequently asked questions about the Ynyshir kitchen inspection
When did Ynyshir receive its Michelin stars?
Ynyshir received its first Michelin star in 2014 and earned its second star in 2022, making it the first and only restaurant in Wales to hold two Michelin stars.
What rating did Ceredigion council give the restaurant in August?
Ceredigion council reinstated Ynyshir’s five-star hygiene rating in August after confirming that the business had successfully addressed all matters identified during the original February inspection.
Worth a look