News
Pembrokeshire restaurant goes from pop-up to the best in Wales
JT ABERGWAUN HOTEL in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, has clinched the coveted title of the best restaurant in Wales, emerging victorious at the prestigious Food Awards Wales 2023.
In a dazzling ceremony held last night, Monday, June 26, at The Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, the culinary gem of Fishguard received the Outstanding Restaurant of the Year award, adding another jewel to its crown.
The Food Awards Wales aims to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable talent and unwavering dedication of the Welsh food industry, showcasing the finest restaurants, takeaways, pubs, cafes, and producers in the country.
The winners were determined through public voting, with enthusiastic patrons nominating their preferred establishments across a range of categories.
Dan Jones, the mastermind behind JT Abergwaun Hotel, expressed his overwhelming joy at receiving the esteemed accolade.
“We were just there because it’s something happening on a Monday night that we could just go and enjoy and spend some time together that’s not work,” shared Dan, reflecting on the unexpected triumph.
Dan attributed the restaurant’s resounding success to the exceptional team supporting him, including his new partner in life, Lois.
“We’ve been together for ten years, in business together as JT for seven years, and married for two weeks,” Dan disclosed. “We are both Thomas-Jones now, so we are both JT.”
Following their recent wedding, Dan and Lois have experienced an exhilarating whirlwind of two weeks, culminating in their triumph last night.
“It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for us,” Dan exclaimed, proudly highlighting his previous achievement of winning Pub Chef of the Year at the International Salon Culinaire awards last year.
“We have grown from a little pop-up restaurant to a restaurant, to a hotel, and managed to maintain the same impeccable standards,” Dan added. “Everything we’ve done has put Fishguard on the foodie map.”
With their sights set on the future, Dan revealed that the coming months promise to be equally thrilling, with a couple of top-secret projects under wraps and the imminent launch of an entirely new menu.
“Winning this award has given us the confidence to elevate the restaurant to the next level. That’s what truly excites us,” Dan concluded, brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation for the remarkable journey ahead.
Community
Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.
The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.
As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.
Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.
The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.
For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/
News
Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates
REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.
Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.
Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.
He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”
He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.
Full candidate list
The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:
Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.
Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.
Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.
Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.
Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.
Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.
The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.
Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.
The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.
News
Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats
A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.
Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.
A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.
When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.
The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.
More to follow.
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