‘Ultimate homecoming’ – Lewis Welburn returns to Ynyshir as head chef

Ynyshir has appointed Lewis Welburn as head chef, marking a return to the kitchen where he first built his foundations under Gareth Ward.

The two-Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, based in west Wales, said Lewis would work alongside Gareth to lead the kitchen at one of the UK’s most distinctive dining destinations.

Lewis Welburn returns to Ynyshir as head chef

Originally from Reth, North Yorkshire, Lewis first joined Ynyshir in 2018, working under Gareth Ward alongside Corrin Harrison. It was there that he developed his craft in one of Britain’s most ambitious kitchens, helping to build the bold, ingredient-led style that has become central to the restaurant’s identity.

For Lewis, the return represents a full-circle moment. Having first walked into the kitchen as a young chef, he now comes back as head chef with a far broader body of experience behind him, but with a strong understanding of the standards, intensity and ambition that define Ynyshir.

A career shaped by travel and leading kitchens

In 2022, Lewis stepped away from the kitchen to travel, spending time across Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Fiji, before continuing through Europe. The experience gave him the chance to explore different food cultures, techniques and ingredients, while also broadening his perspective on hospitality more widely.

During this period, he also worked in a number of respected kitchens, including Blanket Bay, adding international experience to the grounding he had already built in the UK.

He returned to Britain in 2024 to take up the role of senior sous chef at Forge at Middleton Lodge, under Jake Jones. During his time there, Lewis played a key role in the restaurant earning its first Michelin star the following year, underlining his contribution to one of the country’s rising destinations.

Now back at Ynyshir, Lewis returns with experience shaped by travel, high-level kitchens and a broader global outlook, while still retaining the connection to the restaurant where his career took shape.

Lewis and Gareth on the Ynyshir homecoming

Discussing his appointment, Lewis said: “Coming back to Ynyshir is the ultimate homecoming. 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.”

Gareth Ward added: “All is right in the world again.”

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Why Ynyshir remains one of the UK’s most distinctive restaurants

Ynyshir opened in 2016 and remains Wales’ only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Set in a 16th-century hunting lodge between the Dyfi Estuary and the Artists Valley in west Wales, it has built a reputation as one of the most individual and uncompromising food experiences in Britain and has been heavily tipped to earn a coveted third star.

Run by Gareth Ward alongside his partner Amelia Eiríksson, the restaurant serves just 16 guests each evening. The dinner-only format unfolds over an up to 30-course menu across five hours, showcasing produce sourced from across the world, from A5 wagyu to locally caught shellfish.

While Japanese techniques and ingredients have become an important part of the restaurant’s style, the menu also reflects dishes, flavours and influences drawn from some of Gareth’s favourite restaurants around the world.

Front of house is led by Amelia, with bespoke drinks pairings replacing formal wine flights, no dress code, and a vinyl DJ shaping the tone of service.

(Photos: James Edwards, Hybrid Media Productions, Lafont Hospitality and Joshua Greenwood)