3 days ago
Award-winning restaurant to close as owner makes heartfelt admission
Award-winning restaurant to close as owner makes heartfelt admission
Award-winning chef Deri Reed has announced that The Warren will be closing in September
The Warren will be closing after almost a decade of serving up sustainable and organic food in Carmarthen
(Image: Media Wales)
A beloved restaurant/café in the heart of Carmarthen has announced it will be closing next month after nearly a decade of serving food to the community. The Warren, a multi-award winning establishment, was set up in 2016 by chef Deri Reed after the community helped to get the pipedream off the ground thanks to a crowdfunding campaign.
The Warren, situated in Mansel Street, was celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and the community, with ethical sourcing and local produce placed at the heart of what Deri wanted to prioritise.
As well as becoming a firm favourite in the town, the restaurant achieved national recognition, with regular listings in The Good Food Guide since 2019, being named as one of the Top 100 Best Local Restaurants in Britain this year.
Deri issued a statement on social media on Saturday (August 16) to tell The Warren's loyal following the news, admitting that running the local eatery "hasn't been working for me for some time".
He added that he hopes this isn't the end of The Warren and will be "exploring" what it could look like in the future. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Deri Reed won Chef of the Year at the Food Made Good awards in 2019
(Image: Media Wales)
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The post read: "It's taken me a long time to write this announcement, as it's something I've been putting off for too long. For those of you who know me well, you'll know how much weight I've carried in running The Warren.
"Behind the front, there's a man doing his best to keep afloat a business built on strong human and environmental ethics, while also trying to look after himself, his relationships, his home and his community. The truth is, it hasn't been working for me for some time.
"So, from Sunday, September 21 after service, The Warren will be going into hibernation for a little while, giving me space to pause, reflect, and work out what the next steps in this journey might be.
"I don't see this as an ending. I imagine a future where this space is alive with new collaborations, where community food projects have a home here, and where The Warren continues to make noise from the streets of Carmarthen. With the support of some brilliant people and organisations, I'll be exploring what that could look like.
"In the meantime, our team is ready to give you the best of what we've got over the next five weeks. So please do come in, enjoy a meal with us, use any vouchers you've been holding onto, and help us celebrate the wonderful achievements we've made together so far."
Deri, who won Chef of the Year at the Food Made Good awards in 2019, is also a part of Cegin Hedyn, a community kitchen and canteen, in Camarthen.
The passion project for the chef opened in 2022 and serves plant-based, canteen-style lunches guided by a 'pay what you can' philsophy.
Like the meals served at The Warren, Cegin Hedyn's food is made using fresh, organic, and seasonal produce, with s some ingredients being in their community allotments.
Deri's announcement of The Warren's closure was met with an outpouring of support on the restaurant's Facebook page.
One person said: "Thanks for all you have done for Carmarthen Deri and all the support you gave! Good luck with the future!"
Another commented: "Good luck Deri and to all the staff, hopefully this isn't the end of one of our favourite restaurants."
A third person added: "I was saddened to read this today, Deri. You (and your team) have worked so very hard. I know how many hours you have had to put in..... But, your own health and wellbeing must come first. With very best wishes for your next venture."
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