In a video posted to Instagram, a sombre-looking Davies confirmed he would be parting ways with the restaurant at its parent company, Why Not Bar and Lounge Limited, although a timescale for his departure is yet to be confirmed.
“Bit of a sad day to be honest,” Davies says in the video.
“Just over four years ago, we came here and turned what was a hairdressers into a restaurant that’s picked up critical acclaim and recognition all over Europe.
“The whole thing grows and grows. But now the business that I work for and the way the whole set up here is has changed fairly significantly, and I think it’s just a really good time to say ‘cool, I’m done’.”
Davies, who was previously head chef at Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir, launched SY23 in December 2019 having bought the site only a month before, but by March was forced to close it when the pandemic hit.
The restaurant, which serves a tasting menu of foraged and local ingredients used fresh or preserved that are cooked over fire, was named by Michelin as the Opening of the Year in 2022 and was also awarded a Michelin star, having only been open for trade less than 10 months.
“What a journey, what an amazing place we’ve created,” Davies adds, describing SY23 as the biggest highlight of his career to date.
“It’s been my absolute honour and privilege to have taken care of every single person that’s come through the door, and to have been able to cook for you and care for you.
“One day I’ll open another place and I’ll be there at the stove, at the barbecue, to welcome you back.”
SY23 is currently listed at number 96 on the National Restaurant Awards top 100 list.
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