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Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar, Machynlleth

An intimate 8-seat fine dining experience in Machynlleth, blending bold flavors and local ingredients with expert wine pairings.

4.7

Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar is an intimate fine dining venue in Machynlleth, Wales, offering a communal 10-course tasting menu crafted by head chef Corrin Harrison. With seating for just eight guests, the restaurant provides an immersive culinary experience featuring locally sourced ingredients, sophisticated flavor combinations, and expertly paired wines in a cozy, modern setting.

A brief summary to Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar

  • 21 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth, SY20 8EB, GB
  • +441654701100
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-11 pm

Local tips

  • Book well in advance due to the limited seating of only eight guests per service.
  • Try the wine pairing option to enhance the tasting menu experience.
  • Arrive early to enjoy the cozy wine bar and start your evening with a cocktail.
  • Be prepared for a communal dining setting where you may share the table with other guests.
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Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar

An Intimate Culinary Haven in Machynlleth

Nestled on Heol Maengwyn in the heart of Machynlleth, Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar is a boutique dining destination that seats only eight guests at a communal chef's table. This intimate setting allows diners to engage directly with the culinary process, watching head chef Corrin Harrison prepare a meticulously crafted 10-course tasting menu. The restaurant’s design is sleek and modern with a slightly Scandinavian influence, featuring a dark, cozy dining room illuminated by warm, focused lighting that enhances the personal and immersive atmosphere.

Innovative Flavors and Locally Sourced Ingredients

Gwen’s menu is a celebration of bold, inventive flavors that blend modern European techniques with Asian influences. The dishes highlight local Welsh produce and meats, some aged in Ynyshir’s Himalayan salt chambers, reflecting the close ties to the acclaimed Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms. Signature dishes include barbecued pork jowl with jalapeno sauce, quail curry with crisped skin, and delicately cooked lobster with champagne foam. Each plate is a harmonious balance of textures and tastes, designed to surprise and delight the palate.

A Communal and Engaging Dining Experience

The communal dining setup encourages interaction among guests, fostering a convivial atmosphere akin to a refined dinner party. The small size ensures personalized attention from the chef and staff, who provide detailed explanations of each course and the provenance of ingredients. The adjoining wine bar offers a curated selection of wines and craft beers, with a sommelier on hand to recommend pairings that complement the complex flavors of the tasting menu.

Behind the Scenes: The Chef and Inspiration

Head chef Corrin Harrison brings extensive experience from two Michelin-starred kitchens, including Ynyshir and Steirereck in Austria. His passion for grilling and innovative cooking techniques shines through in every dish, with a focus on quality, seasonality, and creativity. Gwen is named after Gareth Ward’s mother, linking it to the legacy of Ynyshir while establishing its own distinct identity as a more accessible yet equally refined culinary destination.

Atmosphere and Ambience

The restaurant’s intimate scale and design create a relaxed yet sophisticated environment. The dark interiors are contrasted by strong task lighting over the chef’s table, highlighting the artistry of the food preparation. The wine bar area offers a casual space for pre- or post-dinner drinks, enhancing the overall experience with a friendly and welcoming vibe.

Reservations and Practical Information

Gwen operates primarily with pre-booked sittings for its tasting menu, available at 3pm and 7pm sessions. The wine bar remains walk-in only for now, focusing on drinks-led service. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings and Friday and Saturday for lunch. Pricing for the tasting menu is approximately £100 per person, with wine pairings available at additional cost. Given the limited seating, reservations are essential to secure a place at this exclusive culinary gem in Machynlleth.

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