Georg, previously executive chef at St David’s Hotel, Cardiff and his wife Einar talk to us about their new life in Llantwit Major.

ILLTUD’S 216

Georg and Einar Fuchs are now the proud owners of Illnud's 216, the former 16th Century malt house in Church Street, in the old quarter of Llantwit Major, close to St Illtud’s Church.

Illtud’s 216 is steeped in history and when the previous owner, Andrew Davies, restored the property in 2005, he uncovered the numerals 216 throughout the building. In speaking to Georg, we learnt that he is a keen historian, possibly that’s why he was drawn to Illtud’s 216.

How did you come to work at St David’s in Cardiff Bay?
I knew Sir Rocco Forte quite well and he asked me to join the team.

Why did you leave?
When Sir Rocco Forte decided to sell, I thought the time was right to set something up for ourselves.

What is your style of cooking?
New Welsh cuisine using contemporary local produce.

What is your philosophy?
Everything is fresh. Everything is home made. I do not use skimmed milk, only full fat. I use local eggs, everything is cooked with butter and goose fat. I make fresh hollandaise sauce using fresh tarragon. I do not believe in compromising.

Is using local produce important to you?
We have everything on our doorstep here. We are very lucky in this part of Wales. When I was working at the St David’s Hotel, I made good contacts with local suppliers and producers and have observed the local culture and culinary activities and tried and tested my cooking style at the hotel.

You have introduced some Austrian influences.
Yes I have introduced Apple Strudle which has become very popular and pork pasta parcels which was a dish my grandmother used to make
(I can personally vouch for these – Editor).

I’d heard you were doing something with local schools?
I am a member of the Welsh Culinary Association and the Academy of Culinary Arts. I am keen to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation of chefs.

I recently visited a primary school in Rhoose to help the young children understand where foods come from and how good fresh, local food can taste. They loved it and hopefully they will be interested in cooking as they grow up. Please do not misunderstand me, I occasionally eat a burger but I believe everything should be in moderation and as long as you eat well generally, that is fine.

What are your plans?
Currently our wines are mainly from France and Chile, but I would like to introduce a different and better selection of old world wines and perhaps one or two Austrian wines like a good Riesling. I also plan to have apprentices here. This goes back to the Academy of Culinary Arts. It is good to nurture young talent. Einar is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. She will manage the financial and administrative side of the business and also be responsible for the front of house.

Have you cooked for celebrities?
Yes, I have cooked for Cliff Richard, Madonna and the Welsh rugby team and many others. I believe that there is only one celebrity and that is the customer.

Why Llantwit Major?
We think it is a beautiful area. We have always wanted to swap the busy city life for more rural surroundings. Einar and I visited Llantwit Major a few years ago and both thought that it felt right. The area has a lot of history. We have visited the many local attractions. I am very interested in the history of Barry, Cardiff and Llantwit Major. Things just seemed to fit.

Do you think that everything in your career has happened to bring you to this place?
I am not a philosopher and have all of my senses in order but I think everything happens for a reason. It makes a lot of sense. It is like when you are looking for a partner, you wish for it and nothing happens and when you stop wishing, the partner comes along and you fall in love. That is what happened with Illtud’s 216.

Illtud’s 216 Church Street, Llantwit Major Vale of Glamorgan For reservations please phone 01446 793800