Top chef laments absence of Michelin stars in Cardiff

29/04/2009 16:03:56

Cardiff's dining trade would be boosted by the addition of a Michelin-starred restaurant, a leading chef has claimed.

Speaking to Wales Online, James Sommerin, head chef at the Crown at Whitebrook restaurant near Monmouth, said the absence of such an establishment in the Welsh capital is "shocking".

The 30-year-old – the only 'starred' chef in Wales – claimed steps must be taken in Cardiff to offer the quality necessary to draw diners in – a move which could potentially create restaurant work.

Mr Sommerin said: "There are a lot of good chefs out there in Wales but there are not enough.

"Unfortunately, in our culture big is still beautiful in a lot of places and consumers see that as value for money – it doesn't matter if the produce is rubbish. We need to educate the younger generation into getting the quality of produce."

Emyr Griffith, managing director of restaurant promoter Welsh Rarebits, told the news provider he had no idea why no chef had "pushed above the parapet" in Cardiff.

"I wish I knew the answer but it would be great if you had an entrepreneur open a top-class restaurant – I'm sure it would be well attended," he said.

Earlier in the spring, Waterstone Estates announced plans for a new £9 million hotel, restaurant and store development in Swansea – a project it says which create local jobs.

Restaurant jobs in Cardiff

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