Powys chef among top 10 cooks in Britain in awards final

Gareth Johns, who has been cooking at the Wynnstay Hotel in Machynlleth for over 20 years, has been named as one of the 10 finalists for the Best Cook award at the 2023 Eat Game Awards.

The awards organisation has narrowed down its shortlist to 70 individuals and businesses, across 10 categories, and has now handed the decision over to a public vote that ends on January 10.

The category Gareth is nominated in, Best Game Cook, requires chefs to serve a variety of game meat in season and to produce dishes that showcase the variety and versatility of game meat.

The nomination is one of several awards and accolades Garth has received for his cooking over the years, including in 2022 when he was awarded the Best of Gastronomies International, an independent chefs and gourmet organisation that operates in 170 countries, for the third year in a row.

Charles Dark, owner, The Wynnstay Hotel said: “We are absolutely delighted that Gareth has been recognised with these recent achievements. What he has done over the years in Wales, and on behalf of Wales across the world is astonishing and he certainly boats a CV most chefs would aspire to achieve.”

The Eat Game Awards, now in its fifth year, were set-up to reflect a growing use of wild game, with 10 different award categories awarded across a range of industries and sectors.

Voting has closed to choose the top three individuals or businesses to go through to the final judging round.

Annette Woolcock, Head of Wild Food at BASC, said: “The Eat Game Awards champions the hard work that thousands of people across the UK put into their game-related businesses and rewards them for their achievements which may otherwise go unnoticed.

“With just one week to go until the voting closes, now is your chance to throw your support behind that local business or person who you think deserves to be accredited for their endeavours and earn a winning spot in one of the many categories we celebrate."