SY23, the Michelin-starred restaurant based in the UK, will permanently close its doors on December 23, 2023, as confirmed by owners Mark and Rhian Philips in a recent statement.
The statement cited the closure of the restaurant as a response to the “unprecedented challenges posed by the current financial climate.”
Established in late 2019, the restaurant achieved notable success, earning recognition with Michelin stars as the best new opening of the year. Additionally, it garnered a jurors’ award and received a commendable 3 stars from the World of Fine Wine.
The restaurant procured its charcoal-cooked meat and fish from local sources. Nathan Davies, the head chef, gained prominence as a participant on the BBC’s show, 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.”
After the announcement of Davies’ departure, Mark and Rhian subsequently declared the closure of 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.”
Mark and Rhian secured a legal victory in June 2023, winning a lawsuit against insurance companies Zenith Insurance PLC and QIC Europe for compensation in a Covid-19 business interruption case.
The couple requested an insurance payout for the closure of their business during the pandemic, but their insurers declined the claim.
