Gareth Ward, a chef who holds two Michelin stars, has announced a new collaboration with Aberystwyth Town Football Club, aiming to fuse high‑end gastronomy with the rhythm of weekend football.
A culinary kickoff at Park Avenue
The partnership will see the club’s home ground, Park Avenue, transformed into a venue where fans can enjoy curated menus, tasting experiences and hospitality packages that go beyond the typical match‑day fare.
The inaugural pop‑up dinner is scheduled for August 8, when the team hosts its first home fixture of the season, offering diners a chance to sample dishes inspired by the club’s local roots.
Ward’s flagship restaurant, Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, sits in the village of Eglwys Fach near Machynlleth, about 12 miles from Aberystwyth, and has previously attracted diners with a near‑£500 tasting menu.
The venture comes after the restaurant received a one‑star food hygiene rating in January, a result of inspection findings that highlighted hazards such as improper handling of raw lobster and broader safety concerns raised by Ceredigion council’s environmental health team.
Despite the setback, Ward expressed enthusiasm for the football partnership, saying the collaboration feels like a natural extension of his love for community‑focused experiences.
Amelia Eiriksson, a regular contributor to the club’s lifestyle programme, and Gethin ap Dafydd, a local broadcaster, are expected to feature in promotional material surrounding the event.