The Chef Recommends series sees the best cooks in the country reveal where they love to eat out. Ynyshir chef patron Gareth Ward’s list of go-to restaurants features Michael Wignall’s recently launched but already acclaimed North Yorkshire restaurant The Angel at Hetton, a low-key fish restaurant in Aberystwth and an “epic” burger joint in Digbeth, Birmingham.
Favourite Blowout Meal: The Angel at Hetton
“We recently visited here and it was amazing! Michael Wignall and the team are only in the pub at the moment but the food is outstanding. If it’s already that good, it’s going to be another level when they build the new restaurant”
Address: Back Ln, Hetton, Skipton BD23 6LT
Phone: 01756 730263
Website: www.angelhetton.co.uk
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Favourite Local: Pysgoty
“This place is on the harbour front in Aberystwyth and is brilliant for fresh fish. They use the best ingredients from local fishermen and cook them really simply. It all tastes amazing. It’s a small restaurant that’s always busy so you have to book”
Address: South Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth, SY23 1JY
Phone: 01970 624611
Website: www.pysgoty.co.uk
Favourite Cheap Eat: Original Patty Men
“OPM in Birmingham does epic burgers. It’s in one of the arches and is all about really tasty burgers and fries. I always go for one of their changing specials”
Address:9 Shaw’s Passage, Birmingham, B5 5JG
Phone: 0121 643 2546
Website: www.originalpattymen.com
About Gareth Ward
An alumnus of Restaurant Sat Bains, Gareth Ward is one of the UK’s most exciting chefs. His remote Wales restaurant has ripped up the country house hotel rulebook to deliver cutting-edge Asian-influenced food against a backdrop of 90s hip hop. Ward’s stance is uncompromising: “People say you should cook for your customers. I say fuck that. I cook for myself,” he says. But it does result in some of the UK’s most flavour packed and in-your-face food, which is served in a succession of tiny bites.