Deri Reed

Deri Reed, recently named the BBC Morning Live Community Food Champion 2024 at the prestigious BBC Food & Farming Awards, is a leading voice in the movement for ethical and sustainable food. This national recognition celebrates his tireless efforts to transform food systems and foster community resilience through innovative projects like Cegin Hedyn. Judged by Matt Allwright, the award honours the collective power of the volunteers, growers, and supporters who have joined Deri in bringing his vision to life.

As the founder of The Warren in Carmarthen, Deri has created a restaurant celebrated for its dedication to local and organic ingredients, exceptional quality, and sustainability. Operating entirely on renewable energy, The Warren reflects his ethos of leaving both the planet and his customers better off.

Deri’s passion for food extends far beyond the kitchen. His community-driven project, Cegin Hedyn, is a community kitchen, canteen, and allotment space where food is served on a “pay what you can” basis. This initiative ensures everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, can enjoy high-quality, seasonal, and organic meals while supporting local growers and fostering inclusivity.

Deri’s culinary journey began at the iconic Café Paradiso in Cork City and continued with The Ethical Chef stall at Riverside Market in Cardiff. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including Sustainable Chef of the Year at the 2019 Food Made Good Awards and recognition as one of the Top 100 Local Restaurants in Britain by The Good Food Guide.

Cegin Hedyn and The Warren exemplify Deri’s deep belief in the “privilege of sharing” and the power of community to create meaningful change. His story is one of passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to creating a food system that works for everyone while caring for the planet.

Discover more about Deri’s work and join the journey—whether by visiting The Warren, supporting Cegin Hedyn, or signing up for updates. Together, we can grow, cook, and share a brighter future.

Deri also offers a mentorship service for those in the hospitality industry.