Only had the curry...and nibbles lovely flavoured nicely presentedCocktails were top dollar amazing flavours very good
Chris Hardie
Incredible experience from start to finish! Wales has something very special on its
Andy Begbie
After dining at Gareth's main restaurant for my birthday last year I thought I'd try Gwen. I wasn't disappointed, everything about the place was fantastic, the food, the service, the atmosphere! Very intimate but very friendly, everything prepared in front of us whilst talking to the chef. The cocktails were excellent as was the recommended wine. I can't recommend it enough, will definitely be going back!
Huw Williams
Wonderful experience and an incredibly indulgent lunch. The experience made us feel special from start to finish. Will definitely be making a return visit. Easy parking just across the road too.
claire a
Amazing tasting menu in this intimate and friendly space, which also has a cosy wine bar . The ingredients are top quality and each flavour shines through . The combinations are delicately balanced and the menu both delights and satisfies . You are seated within the cooking environment and can watch head chef Corrin Harrison as he puts together each dish with loving care . A great plus was the trio of delicious desserts which rounded off the menu . A truly memorable evening !
fizzyDorking
This is a restaurant on another level of excellence. We had the tasting menu at the phenomenal price of £100 per head. You would pay so much more anywhere else for a meal of such high quality. It was beautifully presented and just like sitting at a chef's table watching your food prepared and cooked while the chef and his sous chef explain what each course was. Sublime and we will be back, hope the price stays the same!!!
Craig Willgoose
Has a local pub feel to it, staff was friendly and are a dog friendly pub. Food was
Victoria C
Having visited 'Ynyshir' last year for my wedding anniversary, and sampled the delights of Corrin Harrison's phenomenal cooking, I was excited to try Gwen; the latest venture of 2 Michelin Starred, Gareth Ward, who transferred his Head Chef over to his new venue. Situated in what used to be a café, this tiny wine bar and fine dining restaurant is located on the main high street in Machynlleth. It's décor is very similar to that of Ynyshir, and you can definitely see the influence; the dark walls and the smoky smell. Having only opened this year, I actually requested this venue to become listed on Tripadvisor to review it. Watch this space- it will climb up the ratings rapidly! We booked around a month beforehand for the exclusive tasting menu- ten courses. They offer two sittings a day, we attended at 3pm and we ended up leaving at around 7.30pm. The 2 tables seat up to 8 guests, so my husband and I shared a table with a lovely couple who were equally as passionate about their food, and photographing their food too (just as I am). This is not the first time I have experienced this set up at a fine dining restaurant, and whilst it may seem a little off putting, my experiences of meeting and dining with strangers has always been really positive. Whilst they offer an extensive wine menu, unlike Ynyshir, they are able to offer a wine pairing. Jake's knowledge of wine is phenomenal, as is the wines they offer- I particularly enjoyed the Jena-Baptiste Souillard Viognier. Much to my husbands delight, they start by bringing you a loaf of bread. Up next was the eel- so creamy! This was followed by a very humble dish of potato which was the end of their own grown. Served with hen egg it was rich in taste. The Japanese Tuna had been salted at Ynyshir, highlighting the close connection between the two ventures. Never before have I been served curry in a fine dining restaurant- nor had I had quail curry, but I can confirm it is delightful. My favorite of the main dishes was the trout, whilst my husband (and probably all the other guests!) were blown away with the spectacular lamb dish- with a huge rack of lamb ribs placed upon the table. If I were to dig deep for a criticism it would be that we didn't need so much wild garlic sauce. That is the only thing I can say negatively! The BBQ pork on any other menu would have probably been a star course, but with other great dishes around it, this dish didn't stand out. Please don't see this as negative however; it was beautifully cooked and prepared. The class of the other mains on the menu were out of this world. Desserts have never really been my bag, but we had 3 delightful dessert dishes, with a range of flavors and local ingredients (Ynyshir Honey for one!). Service was spectacular, knowledgeable, friendly. Venue was clean. May I just add, the bar is dog friendly! (not sure about the restaurant, but it is fortunately I live hundred of miles away for the sake of my bank balance with this in mind). We went out to the bar and then ordered a plum sake which was incredible. Followed by a really interesting English wine called 'The Ancestral Pink'- biodynamic and stunning. I am almost certain that Gwen will have a star before long. I am certain that this time next year I will be needing to make a reservation 3 months plus in advance. Corrin has been supported, guided and taught by arguably one of the greatest chefs this country has seen. The ten courses of Gwen as opposed to the 30 of Ynyshir make this fine dining experience far more accessible to the masses. It is now up there in one of my most favorite dining experiences and I cannot wait to see this place take off.
Dave Hughes
Gwen really is magical.Went for dinner for my birthday. Staff very attentive, yet not intrusively so. Greeted warmly, given that days menu and a drinks list and left alone to peruse what we wanted to drink. The wine pairing list looked extremely interesting, but as I am not a big drinker we just decided on a delightful bottle of red wine.Once taken through to the dining room and seated, the real theatrical nature of the evening starts to unfold. Of course as it is a communal dining experience you will, most probably, be seated with another couple you've never met before, so it's not really a time to be shy - more so as you share a cutlery drawer with the diner who is sat on the same side of the table as you.The small kitchen is in full view at the end of the two four seat tables, so there is no hiding for the chef. As each course was served it was accompanied by an excellent description of what was in front of you; what, where, when and how it was cooked. Small, but extremely rich portions of exquisite food arrived over an approximately two and a half hour period.An experience to savour, and of course you wouldn't want to dine there every week. However, we would love to go back for a return visit next time we have something to celebrate.A big thank you for such a fantastic evening to all the Gwen team members.
Went for wedding anniversary and it was magical. Theatrical atmosphere and wonderful food. Can’t wait to go back.
Paul Vaughn
Good atmosphere
Dominic Wilkinson
Unreal food, friendly staff and a great experience to be able to chat to the chefs as they prepare your
James Evans
An absolutely amazing experience, really good food we will definitely be going
Simon Kimberley
Had a fantastic night with friends. We eat in a lot of top restaurants and this was on par. Excellent food and ambience. Great wine.Would definitely go back
Chef Corrin seems a bit highly strung.
Only had the curry...and nibbles lovely flavoured nicely presentedCocktails were top dollar amazing flavours very good
Incredible experience from start to finish! Wales has something very special on its
After dining at Gareth's main restaurant for my birthday last year I thought I'd try Gwen. I wasn't disappointed, everything about the place was fantastic, the food, the service, the atmosphere! Very intimate but very friendly, everything prepared in front of us whilst talking to the chef. The cocktails were excellent as was the recommended wine. I can't recommend it enough, will definitely be going back!
Wonderful experience and an incredibly indulgent lunch. The experience made us feel special from start to finish. Will definitely be making a return visit. Easy parking just across the road too.
Amazing tasting menu in this intimate and friendly space, which also has a cosy wine bar . The ingredients are top quality and each flavour shines through . The combinations are delicately balanced and the menu both delights and satisfies . You are seated within the cooking environment and can watch head chef Corrin Harrison as he puts together each dish with loving care . A great plus was the trio of delicious desserts which rounded off the menu . A truly memorable evening !
This is a restaurant on another level of excellence. We had the tasting menu at the phenomenal price of £100 per head. You would pay so much more anywhere else for a meal of such high quality. It was beautifully presented and just like sitting at a chef's table watching your food prepared and cooked while the chef and his sous chef explain what each course was. Sublime and we will be back, hope the price stays the same!!!
Has a local pub feel to it, staff was friendly and are a dog friendly pub. Food was
Having visited 'Ynyshir' last year for my wedding anniversary, and sampled the delights of Corrin Harrison's phenomenal cooking, I was excited to try Gwen; the latest venture of 2 Michelin Starred, Gareth Ward, who transferred his Head Chef over to his new venue. Situated in what used to be a café, this tiny wine bar and fine dining restaurant is located on the main high street in Machynlleth. It's décor is very similar to that of Ynyshir, and you can definitely see the influence; the dark walls and the smoky smell. Having only opened this year, I actually requested this venue to become listed on Tripadvisor to review it. Watch this space- it will climb up the ratings rapidly! We booked around a month beforehand for the exclusive tasting menu- ten courses. They offer two sittings a day, we attended at 3pm and we ended up leaving at around 7.30pm. The 2 tables seat up to 8 guests, so my husband and I shared a table with a lovely couple who were equally as passionate about their food, and photographing their food too (just as I am). This is not the first time I have experienced this set up at a fine dining restaurant, and whilst it may seem a little off putting, my experiences of meeting and dining with strangers has always been really positive. Whilst they offer an extensive wine menu, unlike Ynyshir, they are able to offer a wine pairing. Jake's knowledge of wine is phenomenal, as is the wines they offer- I particularly enjoyed the Jena-Baptiste Souillard Viognier. Much to my husbands delight, they start by bringing you a loaf of bread. Up next was the eel- so creamy! This was followed by a very humble dish of potato which was the end of their own grown. Served with hen egg it was rich in taste. The Japanese Tuna had been salted at Ynyshir, highlighting the close connection between the two ventures. Never before have I been served curry in a fine dining restaurant- nor had I had quail curry, but I can confirm it is delightful. My favorite of the main dishes was the trout, whilst my husband (and probably all the other guests!) were blown away with the spectacular lamb dish- with a huge rack of lamb ribs placed upon the table. If I were to dig deep for a criticism it would be that we didn't need so much wild garlic sauce. That is the only thing I can say negatively! The BBQ pork on any other menu would have probably been a star course, but with other great dishes around it, this dish didn't stand out. Please don't see this as negative however; it was beautifully cooked and prepared. The class of the other mains on the menu were out of this world. Desserts have never really been my bag, but we had 3 delightful dessert dishes, with a range of flavors and local ingredients (Ynyshir Honey for one!). Service was spectacular, knowledgeable, friendly. Venue was clean. May I just add, the bar is dog friendly! (not sure about the restaurant, but it is fortunately I live hundred of miles away for the sake of my bank balance with this in mind). We went out to the bar and then ordered a plum sake which was incredible. Followed by a really interesting English wine called 'The Ancestral Pink'- biodynamic and stunning. I am almost certain that Gwen will have a star before long. I am certain that this time next year I will be needing to make a reservation 3 months plus in advance. Corrin has been supported, guided and taught by arguably one of the greatest chefs this country has seen. The ten courses of Gwen as opposed to the 30 of Ynyshir make this fine dining experience far more accessible to the masses. It is now up there in one of my most favorite dining experiences and I cannot wait to see this place take off.
Gwen really is magical.Went for dinner for my birthday. Staff very attentive, yet not intrusively so. Greeted warmly, given that days menu and a drinks list and left alone to peruse what we wanted to drink. The wine pairing list looked extremely interesting, but as I am not a big drinker we just decided on a delightful bottle of red wine.Once taken through to the dining room and seated, the real theatrical nature of the evening starts to unfold. Of course as it is a communal dining experience you will, most probably, be seated with another couple you've never met before, so it's not really a time to be shy - more so as you share a cutlery drawer with the diner who is sat on the same side of the table as you.The small kitchen is in full view at the end of the two four seat tables, so there is no hiding for the chef. As each course was served it was accompanied by an excellent description of what was in front of you; what, where, when and how it was cooked. Small, but extremely rich portions of exquisite food arrived over an approximately two and a half hour period.An experience to savour, and of course you wouldn't want to dine there every week. However, we would love to go back for a return visit next time we have something to celebrate.A big thank you for such a fantastic evening to all the Gwen team members.
Restaurantji Recommends
Went for wedding anniversary and it was magical. Theatrical atmosphere and wonderful food. Can’t wait to go back.
Good atmosphere
Unreal food, friendly staff and a great experience to be able to chat to the chefs as they prepare your
An absolutely amazing experience, really good food we will definitely be going
Had a fantastic night with friends. We eat in a lot of top restaurants and this was on par. Excellent food and ambience. Great wine.Would definitely go back