Diners Accuse Britain's Best Restaurant Chef Of Verbal Abuse

Like a scene from "The Menu," diners Mark and Donna Southby accuse Gareth Ward, the award-winning head chef and co-owner of the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Ynyshir, of verbally abusing the couple after they complained several times to staff about their experience (via The Guardian). The incident spilled over into the next day when Donna Southby returned to the restaurant to speak with the staff about Ward's behavior.

The 30-course meal was doomed from the beginning when Donna Southby called the hand-forged bone-trimmed tongs, used instead of conventional cutlery, "crap" and crescendoed when she stepped outside to escape the birch smoke-filled room which was part of the promised "immersive culinary experience." Donna Southby was then told by staff that due to her behavior, Ward did not want her to return to the table to finish her meal, missing a course of banana ice cream and birch syrup.

The disputed "he-said-she-said" account of the evening finds Donna Southby accusing Ward of calling her nasty names and challenging her husband to fight in the parking lot after Mark Southby asked why his wife had been sent away before completing her pricey meal.

A statement from the restaurant confirms that it asked Southby to leave in April when she attended Ynyshir with another couple but denies that Ward challenged Mark Southby to a fight or swore at Donna Southby. The restaurant further claims that Southby's behavior was abusive to the staff and that their dining companions, who are repeat customers, emailed to apologize for their friend's behavior and express how much they enjoyed the food.

The £375 per person restaurant is unapologetic about its culinary experience, where Ward has been applauded for his "explosive cooking," and the restaurant's website warns doesn't "cater for any dietary requirements and do not offer substitutions for any of the dishes." Recently awarded "Best Restaurant in Wales," Ynyshir asks diners to be open-minded during the meal, which can last four to five hours, as a DJ spins tunes while chefs serve the tasting menu of "uncompromisingly edgy, Asian-influenced food."