The self-styled Ethical Chef who has realised his dream of opening a restaurant in Carmarthen that
leaves the environment, and all the people involved with it in a better place, has won the Chef of the
Year award at the Food Made Good Awards 2019, the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s annual
industry accolades for the most progressive purveyors of food and drink.
Some of the UK’s best-known restaurant and café brands as well as independent operators, caterers
and suppliers, were among the 20 winners rewarded for their positive response to the climate crisis,
with a host of innovative and impactful ways of reducing their environmental impact and increasing
their positive impact on society.
Deri Reed teamed up with a supplier friend to launch The Warren. It was created by the community
and for the community. Locals invested £20,000 to meet the crowdfunding target and now thanks to
Deri’s tireless work to showcase the incredible West Wales larder, customers are enjoying organic,
local produce at affordable prices. Deri’s commitment to the community means the restaurant also
doubles as a venue for many local groups.
Deri has also profited from providing a mostly vegetarian and vegan menu. While he’s realised his
dream the local farmers and diners have benefitted hugely too. The Warren was recently rewarded
with the title of 2020 Good Food Guide Best Local Restaurant in Wales.
On receiving the award, Deri said: “Winning the Food Made Good Chef of the Year award is
amazing. It’s the energy we thrive off to keep going the extra mile to buy local, seasonal and
organic. It will certainly highlight sustainability in my local area.”