Matt Sampson, 25, opened FIR in Hay-on-Wye in June having previously worked at Wales’ only double Michelin star restaurant Ynyshir
FIR by Matt Sampson opened at the end of June(Image: LJP Media)
A tiny restaurant in Hay-on-Wye has been named the best restaurant in Wales at the British Restaurant Awards 2026, despite only opening in June. FIR by Matt Sampson offers an intimate, chef-led dining experience where diners will be sat on one of just five tables.
Chef Matt Sampson, 25, opened the location at the end of June following the success of FIR out of The Vine Tree pub in Llangattock, which achieved a place in the Michelin Guide just months after opening.
The new Hay-on-Wye spot serves a 14-course taster menu during the evenings and then a shorter form menu at lunch, which is described as being focused on “world class ingredients and technique”. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.
Before he opened the spot on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Matt said his sights were firmly set on the restaurant receiving a Michelin star. Speaking ahead of the launch, he said: “So the plan is it’s going to be a 14-cover restaurant and basically pick up what we were doing, there (in Llangattock).
“Really just showcasing the best ingredients from both Wales and internationally as well as just reflecting on my career as a chef in a very sort of intimate space. The goal is to really put FIR on the map as one of best restaurants in Wales, my ultimate goal would be to get a Michelin star.
“Chapters had a great reputation, I had a great six months in Llangattock, so it was very much combining them to into sort of a mega version of both things, that makes sense.”
Despite his youth, Matt, raised in Glasbury, already boasts an impressive CV having started his dream of becoming a chef with a part-time job at 15 with the Felin Fach Griffin near Brecon.
From there he went to Michelin starred, Casamia in Bristol aged just 17 before two years working under Simon Rogan at L’Enclume in the Lake District.
At that time L’Enclume had two Michelin stars, now it has three and most recently appeared on La Liste top restaurants in the planet, and is headed up by multi-award-winning chef and Great British Menu judge, Rogan.
Matt then spent three years in the kitchen of Ynyshir under Gareth Ward, a unique destination restaurant that holds Wales’ only double Michelin star title.
At the British Restaurant Awards 2026, held on Monday at The Crown in London, small plates restaurant Cor took home the prize for best restaurant in Bristol, rooftop restaurant 24 Stories won the best in Birmingham, and London-based U9 Karaoke & Cocktail Bar won best bar and lounge experience.
