Upgrade at Bridge Innovation Centre aims to give local businesses faster, more reliable and scalable digital infrastructure

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and Welsh broadband provider Ogi have invested in a major full fibre upgrade at Pembroke Dock’s Bridge Innovation Centre, in a move aimed at supporting business growth and strengthening the county’s digital infrastructure.

The project, announced under embargo until Thursday (Apr 16), replaces the site’s ageing legacy connection with a dedicated business-grade full fibre network designed to meet the needs of modern companies.

A high-capacity symmetrical core connection has been installed, supported by a secondary fibre route to improve resilience. The upgrade is intended to give businesses based at the centre the reliability and capacity they increasingly need as standard.

Ogi engineers said that the job took around two and a half weeks, and represented a major project for the installation team.

Full fibre has also been extended throughout the building, with each office now able to access its own dedicated connection. This means businesses can increase their internet speeds as they expand, without the need for further building work or disruption.

Ogi Chief Executive Officer Sally-Anne Skinner said: “Digital infrastructure shouldn’t be something businesses have to worry about. It needs to be dependable, flexible and ready to grow when they are. That’s exactly what we’ve put in place here.”

The new network has also been built with security and resilience in mind. Managed firewall protection, intelligent traffic management and round-the-clock monitoring have been introduced to help keep services secure and performing effectively, while battery backup systems will protect critical equipment during power interruptions.

Shared spaces within the Innovation Centre have also benefited from improved connectivity, with new high-performance WiFi designed to cope with busy working days, events and collaborative use throughout the building.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the investment is about more than simply improving internet speeds. It is also intended to ensure the Bridge Innovation Centre continues to meet the changing needs of businesses at different stages of development.

Peter Lord, the council’s Principal Officer for Business Development, said: “What businesses tell us they value most is confidence. They want to know the infrastructure around them won’t limit their plans – and this investment gives them that reassurance.”

The council believes the upgrade will help strengthen Pembrokeshire’s appeal as a base for ambitious firms looking to grow sustainably while remaining rooted in the local area.

Sally-Anne added: “When the right infrastructure is already in place, it makes staying and growing locally a much easier decision. That’s how you support long-term economic growth – by giving businesses what they need from day one.”

Ogi said the installation forms part of a wider programme to support business communities across Wales through full fibre networks and managed services designed for long-term use in real working environments.

Photo caption:

Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock has received a major full fibre connectivity upgrade (Pic: Supplied).

Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

To book a session or make an enquiry, search “Sauna Uno” on Google or Facebook, visit sauna-uno.co.uk, or WhatsApp directly on 01437 601205.

Their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.

Family-run pub on Main Street combines homemade food, live music, affordable rooms and a strong tradition of raising money for good causes

THE OLD CROSS SAWS INN has earned a loyal following in Pembroke by offering something that is becoming harder to find – a true local pub where community spirit still comes first.

Run by Michelle and Will, the family-run venue on Main Street has become a popular meeting place for regulars, visitors and families alike, with customers drawn in by its friendly atmosphere, homemade food, live entertainment and genuine welcome.

Whether people are calling in for a quiet pint, gathering for a Saturday night band session, enjoying a hearty Sunday lunch or taking part in the pub’s much-loved charity bingo afternoons, the aim is always the same – to make everyone feel at home.

Karen said: “We just want people to feel welcome when they walk through the door and enjoy themselves – whether it’s for Sunday lunch, live music or just a drink with friends.”

That simple approach has helped The Old Cross Saws Inn become one of the town’s best-loved pubs, with customers regularly praising both the hospitality and the sense of belonging they find there.

One customer said: “Very friendly, everyone knew the drinks we were having after the first order. We went on a band night and had a brilliant time.”

At the heart of the community

The Old Cross Saws Inn is not just a place to eat and drink. Over recent years, it has also become a hub for charity fundraising, with the pub and its regulars raising thousands of pounds for good causes close to people’s hearts.

Among the causes supported are Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, Greenacres Animal Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance Charity and Tan-Yard Youth Club.

In total, £3,400 has been raised for Ty Hafan, £2,000 for Greenacres Animal Rescue, £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance Charity and £500 for Tan-Yard Youth Club.

Much of that fundraising has come through the pub’s weekly charity bingo afternoons, which have built up a devoted following and become a valued part of local life.

Held every Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm, the bingo offers a relaxed and sociable afternoon out while helping to support worthwhile causes. Regulars have become known affectionately as the pub’s “amazing bingo family”, a reflection of the close-knit atmosphere that has grown around the event.

With the games wrapping up before the school run, it has also proved popular with people looking for a friendly midweek break that fits around everyday life.

Live music and sport

Entertainment plays a big part in the pub’s appeal. Every Saturday from 8:30pm, live music helps turn the venue into a lively weekend destination, attracting a strong crowd and creating the kind of atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

For sports fans, The Old Cross Saws Inn also offers Sky Sports and TNT Sports throughout the week, along with horse racing coverage, making it a go-to spot for those wanting to catch the big game or enjoy a drink with friends in good company.

Whether it is a packed band night, a major sporting fixture or simply a casual evening at the bar, the pub has built its reputation on offering a welcoming setting for all.

Homemade food with a local reputation

Food is another big part of the attraction. The pub’s Sunday lunch, served from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, has developed a strong reputation locally for generous portions, homemade cooking and good value.

One visitor described it as: “Like your mum’s Sunday lunch – tasty, homemade and great value.”

During the week, food is served from Monday to Thursday between 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Fresh rolls and pies are also available during the day, giving customers the option of anything from a quick bite to a relaxed sit-down meal.

That focus on straightforward, satisfying pub food has become another reason why so many customers return time and again.

A garden, rooms and a warm welcome

When the weather is kind, the south-facing beer garden offers another attraction. With umbrellas, covered seating and even an outdoor television, it provides a comfortable place to enjoy a drink in the sunshine while still keeping up with live sport.

The pub is also dog-friendly and family-friendly, adding to its broad appeal.

For those visiting Pembroke and the surrounding area, The Old Cross Saws Inn also offers affordable rooms, giving guests a convenient base from which to explore the town, coastline and nearby attractions.

Each room includes tea and coffee facilities, a fridge and a sink, while a microwave is available on the landing for guest use.

Its Main Street location places it around five minutes from Pembroke railway station, within walking distance of Pembroke Castle and the Millpond, and roughly fifteen minutes by car from Tenby.

A proper local

In an age when many pubs face growing pressures, The Old Cross Saws Inn continues to show the value of doing the basics well – good food, friendly service, strong community ties and a welcoming atmosphere.

It is a place where people can come together for entertainment, support local causes, share a meal or simply enjoy a drink among friends.

And thanks to the support of its customers, that community spirit is having an impact far beyond the bar itself, helping to raise vital funds for charities and local organisations.

For Michelle, Will and the team, that is what being a proper local pub is all about.

The Old Cross Saws Inn is at 109 Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4DB. Charity bingo takes place every Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm, while live music is held on Saturdays from 8:30pm.

Follow The Old Cross Saws Inn on Facebook for details of upcoming events, live music nights and Sunday lunch updates.