A FINE dining restaurant in Penarth retained their stars in the latest Michelin guide.  

Home was one of four South Wales restaurants to retain their stars in the 2023 guide.

The new list of the top restaurants across the UK and Ireland was revealed at a special ceremony on March 27. 

Home, Penarth; The Whitebrook, Whitebrook; Walnut Tree, Llanddewi Skirrid; and Beach House, Oxwich were all recognised with one Michelin star in the 2023 Guide.

Penarth Times:

Home in Penarth

Home: A hero of the pandemic

James Sommerin, who runs Home in partnership with daughter Georgia, was described as a "hero of the pandemic” by the Michelin guide before praising the restaurant for their quality cuisine.

"James Sommerin was one of the heroes of the pandemic, as he threw himself into providing meals for NHS staff,” said a spokesperson.

"Now it’s all about re-establishing himself on the culinary scene because, in 2021, he opened his own restaurant.

"It’s a small, intimate space providing an immersive yet warm and friendly experience.

"As the name implies, it’s staffed almost exclusively by family members, with James and his daughter Georgia working together in the open kitchen.

"It’s a surprise menu – if you can resist opening the envelope on your table – and the impeccable dishes make great use of the produce provided by local suppliers.

"Wales should be as proud of this restaurant as any Josh Adams try."

Home over the moon with three AA Rosettes

Earlier in March, Mr Sommerin described how he was over the moon to receive three AA Rosettes.

Speaking on Home, an AA inspector said its mysterious appearance is complimented by its homely feel.

“Mysterious from outside, with its blacked-out windows and curtained door, Home is a friendly, intimate space, with dark walls and wooden detailing,” said the inspector.

“The focus of the room is, of course, the kitchen – you’ll feel like you are right in amongst the action as James and daughter, Georgia, move calmly around their workspace preparing their daily-changing menus (four or eight courses)."

Mr Sommerin replied to the awards by humbling thanking his customers.

“We are over the moon to be awarded with 3 AA Rosettes, and, are very proud of our small team,” said Mr Sommerin.

“We would also like to thank all our customers for all their support, without this we definitely would not have achieved this award.”

What Michelin star means?

According to michelin.com:

One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavours are prepared to a consistently high standard.

Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired.

Three MICHELIN Stars is our highest award, given for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics.