Welsh TV star Wynne Evans has received a mixed response to his restaurant venture. The opera singer, 53, faced criticism over claims his Carmarthenshire restaurant is "too cold" and the wait times for food are too long. However, some loved their experiences and said they'd "definitely" return.
Wynne opened The Welsh House Carmarthen by Wynne in July, selling dishes inspired by his experience on Celebrity Masterchef, which he won in 2023.
After rising to fame as the "Go Compare" man, AKA Gio Compario, in a series of adverts for the insurance company, he turned his talents to other avenues. Last year, he was partnered with Katya Jones on reality competition series Strictly Come Dancing, though he was later axed from the live tour following allegations about his conduct.
During the Strictly Come Dancing live tour launch in December 2024, he made what he described as an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment. In a statement, he said: "My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise."
Now, his restaurant has been slammed by some customers over the festive season. Based in Carmarthen, meals on the menu include Wynne's MasterChef Winning Lamb for £35.95, while his MasterChef Faggots are available for £23.95.
But the venue has seen some unimpressed diners leave negative reviews over the chilly temperature and lengthy wait times. One diner named Thomas, who visited last month, claimed: "Having eaten on the Orient over the Swiss Alps in a dinner suit, Lapland in a jumper in December, ate at Welsh House today and had to wear an overcoat. And nobody bothered to ask why. They knew the answer, it was too cold to enjoy. Advice, don't go until mid summer."
Another, who also went in November, alleged: "I don't think I have ever been so cold inside a restaurant. Large number of other diners wearing their coats."
A third claimed: "It was a considerable length of time before the main meals arrived. The atmosphere in the restaurant was a little dreary. Not a pleasant evening." A fourth alleged: "Waited 40 minutes for the starter to come, 20 mins for a drink."
The management of the venue replied to each of the TripAdvisor reviews. On the temperature, they said: "We can assure you that we are dealing with this imminently and have plans in place." They asked the other diners to contact them.
However, other diners have experienced a more positive experience at The Welsh House Carmarthen by Wynne. One person said: "Visited for Sunday lunch and we weren't disappointed. Staff were friendly and attentive. Will definitely be visiting again soon."
Another added: "Food was great and came quite quickly. Our server was so nice and attentive, she made us feel very welcome, will be back."
A third added: "Really impressed with The Welsh House. Had a gift voucher for Christmas so thought we would try it out. Food was really tasty & our server Joanie was great. Will definitely be back!"
Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: "Great service with great food [and] good atmosphere. Bit chilly but staff very accommodating. Had lamb which was cooked beautifully."
Of his Celebrity Masterchef win, Evans shared on social media: "I did it! Honoured to win Celebrity Masterchef 2023 especially alongside Amy, Luca, Max and Jamelia. I had the best time of my life and that was down to all the cast and crew."
Outside the hospitality business, Evans boasts two number one classical music albums, and has worked as a radio presenter on multiple stations including BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
WalesOnline approached Wynne Evans and The Welsh House about this story, but they declined to comment.