One of Britain's best restaurants that just so happens to be in in the heart of Pembrokeshire has announced the "difficult" decision that it is closing - for now. Annwn, which celebrates local seasonal and locally foraged produce, has been open for just over a year and, despite being in the depths of rural Wales and seating only 10 diners, it has made enormous waves in the foodie world - having had visits from the Michelin team and having recently been listed 14th in The Good Food Guide's top 20 for 2022.
But on Thursday, November 17, chef Matt Powell and his partner Naomi, who have been running the 'wild food' fine dining joint out of an old potting shed at The Little Retreat - a luxury glamping site in Lawrenny - since last September, took to Instagram to announce the sad news. However, the restaurant's closure is not for good and a new location is now being sought.
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Posting on the social media platform, the pair wrote alongside a series of pictures of the restauran't dishes - you can read our review of the food here: "Dear friends, Just to advise you that we have reached the difficult decision of closing the business at Lawrenny over the quieter winter months and until such time as we can secure an alternative location from which to operate Annwn.
"We had a fantastic first year, achieving exactly what we wanted against our business plan and receiving amazing feedback and incredible reviews, not least a top 20 award for the UK's most exciting new restaurants in the Good Food Guide. We are extremely grateful to Little Retreats for having us for our first year of business, and we will forever hold fond memories of our time there."
They continued: "We do have our eyes on a few properties at the moment and are on the lookout for a suitable venue for Annwn to relocate to that suits our business needs and expansion plans . If anyone in our network knows of a suitable venue that would like to house a small, successful restaurant then please do get in touch.
"We require space for 10-12 covers we can invest in a new kitchen and would need guest facilities. If there are any chefs in the industry who would like to collaborate with me then please feel free to get in touch."
Filling their loyal customers with hope of opening in the near future, Annwn added: "For those that have booked gift vouchers direct recently we can refund your purchase or if you are happy to hold onto your experience gift then you can hold onto them until we reopen at new premises. Many thanks and thanks everyone for the support. Diolch yn fawr. Matt and Naomi."
This message was met with an abundance of supportive messages from fellow chefs, foodies and locals alike.
The Table in Hay-On-Wye wrote: "Good luck with new premises and so look forward to eating with you again in 2023", while chef Deri Reed, who himself has recently started a community food project - read more on that here - commented: "Good luck brother x".
One user wrote: "So sorry to read this. Howard and I feel so privileged to have experienced Annwn in its first year. Will keep a close eye on where you end up...we will follow you. Fancy moving north towards Cardigan? Wishing you both the very best x."
In response to one of the comments on the post which asked if vouchers were still available to use during this time to support the restaurant, Annwn wrote: "We have made a small profit in our first year, so we are looking for a new place. Its finding the right place thats difficult. This isn't the end but support would be absolutely amazing."
Annwn will be leaving its current premises at the end of November.
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