Lewis is the newest member of the Welsh Team to join the talent on the popular BBC show Great British Menu
Lewis Dwyer is no stranger to challenges. The chef patron of Hiraeth, a village pub turned fine dining restaurant in Bridgend, has faced many obstacles in his culinary journey. From launching a successful crowdfunding campaign to opening his own restaurant in the middle of a pandemic, Lewis has shown resilience and passion for his craft. Now, he is taking on a new challenge: competing on BBC’s Great British Menu, the popular BBC show that pits the finest chefs in Wales and then in Great Britain against each other, to cook at the final banquet.
Lewis, who grew up in South Wales, started his career working in various restaurants across the country, learning from different chefs and cuisines. He always dreamed of opening his own place, where he could cook the food he loved and showcase the best of Welsh produce. He found a partner in Andy Aston, a fellow chef and friend, and together they decided to create Hiraeth, a Welsh word that means a longing for home.
Hiraeth was born as a pop-up restaurant in Cowbridge. With the help of a crowdfunding campaign, Lewis and Andy were able to open Hiraeth in October 2022, in a former pub in Llysworney, a village near Cowbridge. They transformed the space into a cosy and welcoming restaurant, with log fires and a snug bar. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and delicious dishes, and received recognition from prestigious guides such as AA, The Good Food Guide, and Michelin, until they were forced to look for a new home in 2024.
They found it in Court Colman Manor, a historic hotel in Bridgend, where they moved in January 2024. They renovated the hotel’s restaurant and reopened Hiraeth in February, with a new menu and a new look.
Lewis admits he was terrified about appearing on national TV, as he is not used to being in front of the camera. He says he was nervous and stressed during the filming, but he also enjoyed the experience and learned a lot from it. He says he met some amazing chefs and judges, and he received valuable feedback and advice from them. He also says he made some friends and had some fun along the way.
“To even be considered for the show, I was honoured.
It was surreal and easily the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done. Although I was very much out of my comfort zone , it was an extremely valuable experience”
Lewis is one of the four chefs competing in the Wales heat of BBC’s Great British Menu, which airs tonight on BBC. He will face Corrin Harrison, head chef at Gwen in Machynlleth, Nick Rudge, chef patron at The Jackdaw in Conwy, and Larkin Cen, owner of Daily Noodles in Bristol and the Celtic Manor for a 2 month residency . Only one of them will make it to the finals week, where they will have a chance to cook for a panel of critics and celebrities, and ultimately win the coveted title of Great British Menu.
Will Lewis be the one to bring the trophy home to Wales? Tune in to find out, and don’t miss his mouthwatering dishes on Great British Menu.
