Ynyshir Hall

Ynyshir Hall | Eglwysfach, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8TA | 01654 781 209

We rarely take the time to just stop, turn off and be still.  Stillness is not a word one would associate with city living.  However stillness is something to be found in abundance at Ynyshir Hall, part of the Relais Chateaux collection.

Stunningly located between the Welsh oak woodlands and the Dyfi estuary, Ynyshir hall boasts magnificent gardens, regal both in splendour and heritage.  Of the list of eminent owners, one name stands out more predominantly than the others and the name is Queen Victoria.  Queen Victoria is said to have been responsible for most of the gardening choices at Ynyshir and her vision can still be seen today.  The other name that stands out is that of William Hubert Mappin, of jewellers Mappin & Webb.  Before his death in 1966, Ynyshir Hall was an estate of 1000 acres.  Now, thank you to W.H.Mappin’s generous bequeath, the RSPB is the proud owner of the 1000 acres surrounding Ynyshir Hall.  The ‘Ynys-hir’ (Long Island in Welsh) reserve was used to film BBC’s Springwatch for three years; 2011, 2012 and 2013.

We arrived at Ynyshir Hall 6.5 hours after we left London.  The traffic was bad, but even without it; the trip can take around 5 hours.  Is it worth it? Definitely.  Even in the bleak darkness the benefit of being away from harsh lights can be seen – the stars are magnificent.

The hotel is intimate as it is charming. My guest and I were staying in The Studio, a perfectly formed, 2 roomed (4 if you count the closet and entrance hall) building adjacent to the main house.  The newly refurbished space is perfect for anyone looking for that extra space and almost makes you feel, bar dining times, that you have the entire place to yourselves.

The bed, king size, is enormous – you almost need a little step to get up to it and the bathroom is beautifully spacious and very tastefully designed.  I love a good bathroom and this is better than good, this is glorious.  The bath, like the bed is huge and the walk in shower is great, especially after muddy walks.

The surroundings and room are great but what about the dining experience?

The food exceeded all my expectations; Gareth Ward previously of Restaurant Sat Bains, a Michelin starred restaurant in Nottingham, has created a very special experience at Ynyshir Hall.  According to the Michelin website, stars are only representative of what’s on the plate; quality, flavors, cooking, personality, value for money and consistency.  Restaurants are either awarded 1, 2 or 3 Michelin stars.

1 star indicates very good food, good consistency – a good place to stop on your journey.

2 stars indicate excellent food, skillfully and thoughtfully prepared, outstanding quality – worth a detour.

3 stars indicate exceptional cuisine, where ‘diners eat extremely well and often superbly’.  Food is perfectly executed and ingredients are unmatched – worth a special journey.

Going by the standards of the food we ate at Ynyshir, Gareth Wards menu should be able to bypass 1 Michelin star and head straight to 2 or 3.  Even though we have brilliant food in London, our 6.5 hours to Ynyshir was worth every arduous minute.

There are 3 dining options; 10, 7 and 5 (market menu) course tasting menus.  The 10 and 7 course menus differ slightly, but both offer a culinary experience with exquisite ingredients and elements of fun.  Our favourites included; ‘Not French Onion Soup’,  ‘Wild Mallard’ and ‘Tiramisu’ (a deconstruction of the much loved dessert).

To me, nothing is more impressive in cooking than changing someone perceptions of what they like and don’t.  There were plenty of dishes on Gareth Ward’s menu that on first glance made me feel a little uneasy – these were not ingredients I’d usually eat.  Not any more – not if they’re always cooked like this anyway.

Even breakfast is special.  The yoghurt compote is a delight and the eggs were faultless.

Ynyshir Hall is a marvellous place to be.  We often forget what beauty Britain holds, and Ynyshir Hall is a brilliant reminder.  The food, the staff and the sheer devotion that have been put into achieving this solace re admirable, and I’m sure that before I return, which I fully intend on doing, Ynyshir hall will no longer be wishing on stars, but holding a couple, 3 if it’s lucky.

Unquestionably, worth a special journey.

Lucienne Harrington, LawandMore