A McDonald's In Wales has been described as "the best in the world" by a Michelin-starred chef who runs the UK's best restaurant.
While McDonald's isn't the first place you might think an acclaimed chef would head to on their day off, Gareth Ward who runs Ynyshir - the UK's official best restaurant - has said the Maccies in Welshpool "is on a different level". Ward, originally from County Durham, took over the Ynyshir in 2013 and has been credited far and wide for turning the Welsh restaurant into a dining destination.
The chef also chose to spotlight two other restaurants, including Baravin in Aberystwyth, which he praised for their Caesar salads, and a fish and chip shop called Caersws Fish Bar, who he credits for their innovative techniques and dishes. His final choice though - and one he warned people would laugh at - was McDonald's in Welshpool, adding that everyone he speaks to agrees.
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He said: "I'm telling you now, Welshpool McDonald's is on a different level. It's just got different [elements] to everyone else.
"[It's] just absolutely smashing it. Last time I had a crispy chicken and it definitely had [something like] truffle mayonnaise on it. I don't think it did, but it tasted like it did.
"Everybody I speak to says this is, by far, the best McDonald's in the world. Welshpool McDonald's that's what it's all about."
Located in Enterprise Park in Welshpool, Powys, the Maccies site opened in May 2021 and has enjoyed similar positive feedback via online reviews. Ynyshir, meanwhile, scooped the award for best restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards held in June last year - becoming the first outside London to claim the title since the awards began 16 years ago.
The dining spot, near Machynlleth, already had two Michelin Stars, five AA rosettes and top ranking in the Harden's Guide under its belt when it won the prestigious award. The restaurant, which serves "punchy Japanese-influenced cuisine cooked over fire" was praised by judges of the National Restaurant Awards for offering a "culinary experience like no other".
It's 30-course tasting menu takes five hours to complete and lunch is priced at £350-375 per person. Ahead of arrival diners are asked to arrive "with your mind open" and expect a DJ curating he music, while the "theatre" of the kitchen takes centre stage.
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