UK-based Michelin-starred restaurant SY23 will shutter operations permanently on 23 December 2023, owners Mark and Rhian Philips have said in a statement.
The restaurant is being closed due to “unprecedented challenges of the current financial climate” read the statement.
Opened in late 2019, the restaurant saw success and was recognised with Michelin stars as the best new opening of the year. It also received a jurors’ award and 3 stars from the World of Fine Wine.
The restaurant was sourcing its charcoal-cooked meat and fish locally. Its head chef Nathan Davies was a star of the BBC’s programme, The Great British Menu.
Davies has announced that he was quitting his role on his Instagram account and was quoted by Wales Online as saying: “Sad news today that I will be leaving SY23. I’ve enjoyed so much of my time here and want to thank my amazing team current and past for all their hard work for the past four years and thank the owners of the restaurant for the opportunity, I wish the restaurant all the success in the future.
“I’ll keep you updated with what I do next but I may be a bit quiet on here for a bit. After this, I’m going to spend some time in my workshop, the woods and the beach to refocus. Thank you to each and every one of the guests that’s made this dream come true and I look forward to cooking for you again somewhere new soon.”
Following Davies’ departure announcement, Mark and Rhian then announced that they were closing the restaurant.
They stated: “We extended the opportunity to Nathan, our esteemed head chef, and Hollie to take on the business, but unfortunately they have chosen not to accept the offer at this time.”
In June 2023 Mark and Rhian won a lawsuit against insurance companies Zenith Insurance PLC & QIC Europe for compensation as part of a Covid-19 business interruption case.
The couple sought an insurance payout for their closedown during the pandemic which was refused by their insurers.
