Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias to lead Gareth Ward’s Gwen restaurant

Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias is to take the helm of Gareth Ward and Amelia Eiriksson’s Gwen restaurant in Machynlleth.

The restauranteurs behind Wales’ first two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Ynyshir, launched Gwen in 2023.

For three years Gwen was overseen by head chef Corrin Harrison, who announced his departure earlier this month.

It had been understood the restaurant was due to be closed, however in an Instagram post Ward and Eiriksson today celebrated the signing of former Casamia chef patron Sanchez-Iglesias.

Ward, winner of the 2023 Chef Award Catey, said: “[It’s] very exciting news. In my opinion this is going to blow up, because there’s one man in this world who hasn’t been cooking in the kitchen who 100% should be cooking, who might be one of the best chefs in this country there’s ever been. I have so much love and respect for this man and his family and to get this guy to take on Gwen restaurant is mind-blowing. I feel like I’ve signed Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Sanchez-Iglesias described the opportunity as “amazing” and said he “can’t wait to get going”.

It is understood the restaurant will reopen in a few weeks’ time.

Peter Sanchez-Iglesias has been away from the kitchen in recent months, having announced the closure of his final Bristol restaurant Paco Tapas in May 2025. Paco Tapas had won a Michelin star in 2018 but lost the award in the 2024 Great Britain and Ireland Guide.

He had previously run Michelin-starred Casamia, which closed in 2022 and relaunched as the more casual Casa, which shut its doors in 2024.

The chef also oversaw the Decimo restaurant at the Standard hotel in London.

Under Harrison, Gwen served a 10-course tasting menu across 10 covers and was named best restaurant in Wales in the 2025 Harden’s guide.