South Wales restaurant among latest to obtain Michelin star in 'historic moment'
New Michelin star restaurants were unveiled at the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2025 on Monday (February 10).
Gorse - located in the "up-and-coming culinary hotspot" of Pontcanna - was one of 22 new restaurants to obtain one Michelin star, adding to the already extensive list showcasing the UK's best restaurants.
Meanwhile, four other restaurants were awarded either two or three-stars at the 2025 Michelin Guide Ceremony.
Every MICHELIN-Star Restaurant in Great Britain & Ireland 2025 Explore the full list of restaurants with One, Two or Three MICHELIN Stars in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland https://t.co/mVrdu6nMnk pic.twitter.com/TOwUtbPINY
— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 10, 2025
Gorse (186-188 Kings Road, Cardiff, CF11 9DF) being awarded a Michelin star is more than just a culinary award, the food experts said, "it's a historic moment" for the Welsh capital.
The Michelin Guide explained: "Never before has the city of Cardiff had a Michelin-Star restaurant, making Tom Waters' endeavour not just a brilliant dining experience (which it undoubtedly is), but a pioneer for the city's food scene."
A Michelin Guide inspector described the Cardiff restaurant as "undoubtedly one of my favourite openings of the last year".
Before adding: "A personal, charmingly run place, it was a pleasure to visit and Tom Waters' food has such a wonderful simplicity to it that often evades less mature and skilful chefs.
"He is clearly proud of Wales and its produce, making Gorse a fitting restaurant to earn the capital its first MICHELIN Star.'
You can read the full inspectors review on the Michelin Guide website.
Visitors to Gorse can expect a "good feeling" from the moment they arrive and are greeted by the chefs in the open kitchen.
It is described by the Michelin Guide as an "intimate, personally run restaurant" with "genial and unobtrusive" service.
When it comes to recommendations of what to eat, the guide adds: "Go for the longer of the tasting menus and you won't regret your decision, as local chef Tom and his team show a great understanding of flavour and balance across dishes founded upon the bountiful Welsh larder – from seaweed and seafood to Gower salt marsh lamb."
Gorse has also received high praise from customers, boasting a 4.5 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor.
One review read: "We had a fabulous night at Gorse, did the 7 course menu and every dish was excellent - a particular favourite was the venison and Celeriac dish.
"Service was extremely warm and attentive, couldn't fault it. Worth evert penny."
While another visitor added: "I'm gonna keep this short. I've eaten many tasting menus including some Michelin starred places. This place is absolutely incredible. Just go there."
Heathcock (58 Bridge Street, Cardiff, CF5 2EN) was also recognised at the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2025 named among 36 new Bib Gourmand restaurants.
36 New Bib Gourmands Announced for 2025 The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland welcomes a bumper crop of restaurants awarded for their great value dininghttps://t.co/QkOVtLqmEt pic.twitter.com/d6JiP3eddL
— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) February 10, 2025
The Bib Gourmand distinction is the Michelin Guide's way of "recognising restaurants that offer good food at a great price".
It continues: "While all Bib Gourmands are unique in style and approach, they share the same spirit of generosity and a commitment to quality cooking."
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Heathcock, which is run by the same team as The Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, was described by the Michelin Guide as a "large neighbourhood pub" that will quickly become your favourite haunt.
It added: "Simple and rustic in décor, the focus is on the eminently satisfying cooking, which has a strong nose-to-tail ethos resulting in dishes like confit pork belly with homemade black pudding and crispy ham hock.
"The menu of great value small plates changes daily, while pre-ordering the tasting option will ensure you sample the full range of the kitchen's talents."
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