STAFF at a restaurant between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth which was voted the best in Wales last week have been left “blown away”.

Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, a Michelin-star restaurant in Eglwysfach, is officially the best place to eat in Wales, and the 12th best in the UK, according to the Good Food Guide 2018.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, staff said the news was “unbelievable” and “amazing”.

With a cooking score of eight, the restaurant, whose head chef is Gareth Ward, has rocketed up the top 50 from number 40 in last year’s guide.

Mr Ward said: “It is amazing. I am blown away. It is one of my favourite guides.

“We didn’t have any idea who the judges were when they came in, but it also relies on the general public. But we don’t ever make special efforts for anyone — every customer is treated equally.

“To move up to an eight is amazing. I feel very privileged.”

And Amelia Eiriksson, general manager, said: “We are all very happy. Gareth said if we don’t win anything else all year, he would be happy. To be number 12 across the UK is unbelievable."

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