Latest news with #Gorse
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff restaurant named among UK's best at national awards
The National Restaurant Awards took place on Monday (June 9), celebrating "the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK restaurant scene, honouring the best chefs and operators across the country". Awards handed out at the annual event included: National Restaurant of the Year Gastropub of the Year Chef of the Year Cocktail List of the Year Wine List of the Year Opening of the Year Best Restaurant in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (four individual awards) A list of the UK's top 100 restaurants was also revealed, featuring one Cardiff-based restaurant - Gorse. The best restaurants in the UK The best restaurants in the UK, according to the National Restaurant Awards, are: Why Gorse is among the UK's best restaurants Gorse was ranked the 56th best restaurant in the country at the National Restaurant Awards. It has been described as a "tiny yet brilliant modern Welsh restaurant" and made history in 2025 by bagging Cardiff its first ever Michelin star. The National Restaurant Awards said: "Not bad going given that Gorse is the chef's debut restaurant and had been open for less than 12 months." Gorse: Cardiff's First MICHELIN Star, As Seen By Our Inspectors@gorserestaurant #Cardiff #MICHELINStar Dive deep into the latest MICHELIN Star in Wales, and the first in its capital, with this Inspector's-eye view of a truly wonderful dining experiencehttps:// — The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 11, 2025 The "unassuming" Pontcanna restaurant (named after the shrub) is focused on seasonal Welsh produce and is fronted by chef Tom Waters. The awards website continues: "Gorse is one of the most accessible fine dining restaurants on this list offering tasting menus from as little as £60 per head. "But the longer tasting menu is where the kitchen's ambition shines, with standout dishes including the likes of Pembrokeshire mackerel with horseradish, lovage and apple; roasted kelp custard with N25 Kaluga Hybrid caviar; and a clever dish of rhubarb partnered with toasted hay cream, egg yolk jam and lavender. "Service is polished but relaxed with the minimalist Nordic-inspired 22-cover interior keeping the focus firmly on the food. "Striking a balance between classic and new wave winemakers, Gorse's wine list complements Waters' cooking beautifully but don't miss out on the restaurant's signature Martini, which is flavoured with local seaweed." Customers agree Michelin star Gorse is "exquisite" It's not just the experts who love Gorse, but customers as well, with it boasting a 4.8 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 25 reviews. Surpurlatives used to describe the Pontcanna restaurant by visitors include "exquisite", "unbelievable" and "outstanding". One person, commenting about their experience at the restaurant, said: "I had the 10 course menu with wine pairings - each course was delicious and the wine was paired perfectly. "The staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Well deserving of a Michelin star." RECOMMENDED READING: Another customer added: "Exquisite just about covers it.... sublime food, fantastic atmosphere, open kitchen and prep areas makes for an enhanced experience watching the meticulous detail from Tom and his team. "Matched with really interesting and very reasonably priced wine (especially the 5% Contero Moscat meaning I could enjoy the dessert even more). "Pontcanna continues to shine in the food universe."
Asahi Shimbun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
Kanazawa museum in full bloom with floral craft exhibition
The gray bowl with delicate China pink floral patterns by Imaizumi Imaemon XIII is one of the highlights of the Living with Flowers exhibition at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa. (Eriko Nami) KANAZAWA—The National Crafts Museum here is showcasing a wide range of works themed around plants that bloom from spring to summer in an exhibition titled Living with Flowers. It is the first in a series of projects commemorating the fifth anniversary of the museum's relocation from Tokyo. The flower theme was selected for its popularity in craft design and the museum's extensive collection of vases and flower containers. The show features 98 works, primarily craft pieces from the museum's collection, along with two paintings by Maurice Denis on loan from the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. A gray porcelain bowl by Imaizumi Imaemon XIII appears on the exhibition poster. Delicate China pink flowers radiate from the center of the dish, evoking a sense of swaying in the wind. The exhibition showcases masterpieces from several genres, including pottery, glass, lacquer, metalwork and kimono. Highlights include pieces by living national treasures with ties to Kanazawa, such as lacquer artist Gonroku Matsuda. The show also includes two floral-themed oil paintings by Denis: 'Gorse' and 'Table with Flowers'. These works enrich the lineup by adding depth and variety to the exploration of floral expression. 'We invite visitors to enjoy a virtual flower-viewing experience at the museum,' said curator Tomoe Nakagawa. 'On their way home, I hope they'll notice the flowers along the streets and see how craft designs are inspired by everyday life.' The museum relocated in 2020 from Tokyo to Kanazawa, a historic city known for its craft tradition. However, the past five years have not been easy for museum staff. 'Looking back, there have been challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Noto Peninsula earthquake,' said Director Masahiro Karasawa. 'We've built close ties with the local community, but some still find the museum not easily accessible.' To engage a wider audience, the museum is providing a free zone and newcomer-friendly programs. Alongside the craft show, a mini-exhibition titled Living with Books is being held, featuring the book collection of Hisui Sugiura, a graphic designer active in the early to mid-20th century. The two exhibitions will run until June 22. Admission is 300 yen ($2.10) for adults and 150 yen for university students. Admission is free for high school students and younger, individuals under 18, and those aged 65 and over.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cornish brewery wins two gold medals at national beer awards
A Cornish brewery has won two gold medals at a national beer awards event. Castle Brewery, was awarded two medals at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Beer Awards, which were held in Liverpool on March 20, 2025. The awards are regarded as one of the most significant accolades in UK independent brewing and are judged by a panel of industry experts, brewers, and beer sommeliers. Castle Brewery's award-winning beers were New Season, a Belgian Pale Ale, and Gorse, a mixed fermentation ale brewed using a native yeast culture captured from the Cornish landscape. New Season was awarded gold in the Bottled/Canned Continental Ale category, while Gorse was awarded gold in the Bottled/Canned Sour and Wild Ale category. This marks the second national gold medal award for New Season. The brewery, which is based in Lostwithiel, has now launched a new brand called Coldframe Brewery, which will separate Castle's continental-inspired beers from its traditional British ales. Coldframe will build on the stylistic direction of this year's national gold medal-winning beers, New Season and Gorse. Simon Court, head brewer and owner of Castle and Coldframe Brewery, said: "Coldframe Brewery is the natural evolution of everything we've been working towards. "Last week's awards were an incredible honour and testament to our vision for the new brewery. "Coldframe represents our deepening commitment to brewing beers that are shaped by the land, using raw and locally sourced ingredients. "Everything we are doing is another step closer to becoming the farmhouse brewery we have always aspired to be." The SIBA National Beer Awards are among the most respected beer competitions in the UK, celebrating the best in independent brewing. The awards feature rigorous judging by industry professionals, including brewers, beer sommeliers, and expert tasters. Winning a SIBA Gold Medal can be regarded as a mark of outstanding brewing quality and places.
BBC News
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Michelin star restaurant in Cardiff 'amazing' says chef
A Cardiff chef has said that gaining Michelin star status has been a dream of his for a long time. Gorse restaurant, in Pontcanna, is the first restaurant in the city to gain Michelin star status. Founder Tom Waters said it's surreal and the feeling is still sinking in. His was one of just 26 restaurants across the UK to be awarded a prestigious Michelin star this year. "It's been a dream of mine for a long time, it's amazing to see it come to fruition," he said. Speaking to Claire Summers on Radio Wales Drive, Mr Waters said he wasn't aware of when Michelin star inspectors arrived at the restaurant. "It's so cloak and dagger. They have these undercover inspectors that come in a few times a year," he said. "We have a very open kitchen so I've managed to sniff one of them out but generally not. "They report back to Michelin headquarters and I got an email two weeks ago saying you've been invited [to a ceremony], but even then no more information than that."It's only when Mr Waters heard his name and restaurant read out during the ceremony, that he knew he won Michelin star status. He added: "It's very nerve-wracking but the feeling was indescribable. It was all those years of hard work coming to fruition." Where are the Michelin star restaurants in Wales? Ynyshir, MachynllethBeach House, OxwichGorse, CardiffHome, PenarthSosban & The Old Butchers, Menai BridgeThe Whitebrook, WhitebrookWalnut Tree, Llanddewi Skirrid Gorse restaurant opened in Pontcanna, Cardiff in May 2024 after a series of pop-ups. Mr Waters said it's aim is to "reimagine traditional welsh cuisine" but "keeping it fun and relaxed". "The idea was to put the best of Welsh produce on a plate. We work with Welsh growers, farmers, artisans, just a lot of local people," he said. Since the restaurant has gained the status, Mr Waters said "it's amazing" to see that bookings haven't stopped. "I've been working away for a long time and always had the aim to come back here," he said. "To do it in our home city, with all these amazing guests who have supported us from the beginning, it is truly amazing. "I'm really thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last two years."
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
South Wales restaurant among latest to obtain Michelin star in 'historic moment'
A Cardiff-based restaurant is among the latest UK establishments to obtain a Michelin star. New Michelin star restaurants were unveiled at the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2025 on Monday (February 10). Gorse - located in the "up-and-coming culinary hotspot" of Pontcanna - was one of 22 new restaurants to obtain one Michelin star, adding to the already extensive list showcasing the UK's best restaurants. Meanwhile, four other restaurants were awarded either two or three-stars at the 2025 Michelin Guide Ceremony. Every MICHELIN-Star Restaurant in Great Britain & Ireland 2025 Explore the full list of restaurants with One, Two or Three MICHELIN Stars in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland — The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 10, 2025 Gorse (186-188 Kings Road, Cardiff, CF11 9DF) being awarded a Michelin star is more than just a culinary award, the food experts said, "it's a historic moment" for the Welsh capital. The Michelin Guide explained: "Never before has the city of Cardiff had a Michelin-Star restaurant, making Tom Waters' endeavour not just a brilliant dining experience (which it undoubtedly is), but a pioneer for the city's food scene." A Michelin Guide inspector described the Cardiff restaurant as "undoubtedly one of my favourite openings of the last year". Before adding: "A personal, charmingly run place, it was a pleasure to visit and Tom Waters' food has such a wonderful simplicity to it that often evades less mature and skilful chefs. "He is clearly proud of Wales and its produce, making Gorse a fitting restaurant to earn the capital its first MICHELIN Star.' You can read the full inspectors review on the Michelin Guide website. Visitors to Gorse can expect a "good feeling" from the moment they arrive and are greeted by the chefs in the open kitchen. It is described by the Michelin Guide as an "intimate, personally run restaurant" with "genial and unobtrusive" service. When it comes to recommendations of what to eat, the guide adds: "Go for the longer of the tasting menus and you won't regret your decision, as local chef Tom and his team show a great understanding of flavour and balance across dishes founded upon the bountiful Welsh larder – from seaweed and seafood to Gower salt marsh lamb." Gorse has also received high praise from customers, boasting a 4.5 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor. One review read: "We had a fabulous night at Gorse, did the 7 course menu and every dish was excellent - a particular favourite was the venison and Celeriac dish. "Service was extremely warm and attentive, couldn't fault it. Worth evert penny." While another visitor added: "I'm gonna keep this short. I've eaten many tasting menus including some Michelin starred places. This place is absolutely incredible. Just go there." Heathcock (58 Bridge Street, Cardiff, CF5 2EN) was also recognised at the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2025 named among 36 new Bib Gourmand restaurants. 36 New Bib Gourmands Announced for 2025 The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland welcomes a bumper crop of restaurants awarded for their great value dininghttps:// — The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 10, 2025 The Bib Gourmand distinction is the Michelin Guide's way of "recognising restaurants that offer good food at a great price". It continues: "While all Bib Gourmands are unique in style and approach, they share the same spirit of generosity and a commitment to quality cooking." RECOMMENDED READING: Michelin star South Wales restaurant with 'secret menu' named among UK's best The 3 South Wales restaurants named among UK's best cheap eats by Michelin chef 'Vibrant and exciting' South Wales steak restaurant named among the world's best South Wales restaurant and hotel named among UK's best at AA Hospitality Awards Heathcock, which is run by the same team as The Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, was described by the Michelin Guide as a "large neighbourhood pub" that will quickly become your favourite haunt. It added: "Simple and rustic in décor, the focus is on the eminently satisfying cooking, which has a strong nose-to-tail ethos resulting in dishes like confit pork belly with homemade black pudding and crispy ham hock. "The menu of great value small plates changes daily, while pre-ordering the tasting option will ensure you sample the full range of the kitchen's talents."
