Eight-seat restaurant Gwen reopens in Machynlleth with Peter Sanchez-Iglesias at the helm

Gwen, an eight-seater restaurant in Machynlleth and sister venue to Ynyshir, has reopened this June under Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, marking a new direction for the narrow mid-Wales dining room founded by Gareth Ward and Amelia Eiriksson. Measuring just three metres wide, Gwen serves a multi-course tasting menu drawing on the chef’s previous work at his Bristol restaurants Casamia and Paco Tapas, and at Decimo at The Standard in London.

The kitchen is run by Sanchez-Iglesias and a single assistant, Finn Langley, a student at the local catering college Coleg Ceredigion. The space accommodates eight guests per service, who move between two open kitchens as the meal progresses. The 20-course selection makes extensive use of fire and includes dishes such as Tomato Stracciatella, Hokkaido Scallop Mole Blanco, Carabineros Birria with Hibiscus and Duck Rib Al Pastor Masa. It places an emphasis on seasonal produce and reflects the team’s global influences.

Eiriksson, co-founder of Ynyshir, has overseen the aesthetic redesign. The interiors retain the signature dark, atmospheric style and incorporate work by local artisans, including bespoke cutlery and crockery, and hand-forged ironmongery produced by Ynyshir’s in-house blacksmith Lee Jones.

The drinks programme is also run by Eiriksson, with front of house managed by Sam Clarke. Wines, selected in collaboration with the sister restaurant, are available by the glass and bottle, with a focus on small producers and low-intervention winemaking.

Sanchez-Iglesias previously held two Michelin stars at Casamia in Bristol before its closure, and went on to launch Paco Tapas, which retains a Michelin star, and Decimo at The Standard hotel in King’s Cross. His arrival extends the Ynyshir group’s culinary offering in Machynlleth, where the original establishment continues to operate under Ward.

Gwen operates from Wednesday to Saturday, with dinner service beginning at 6pm and lasting approximately three and a half hours. The set menu is priced at £216. Guests can also book a two-night package through the Ynyshir website, which includes dinner at both restaurants on consecutive evenings.

Food Desk

To book a table at Gwen, 21 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth SY20 8EB, visit the restaurant’s website here.