Family-run shop marks milestone after three generations keep wheels turning

LIFEBOAT crews, farmers, schoolchildren, club cyclists and thousands of local families have all passed through the doors of Mike’s Bikes in Prendergast. Now the much-loved shop is celebrating its thirty-sixth birthday, marking more than three decades as one of Haverfordwest’s most recognisable independent businesses.

The distinctive blue-fronted building has become a local landmark for anyone travelling through Prendergast. But behind it is a story rooted in family, hard work and a passion for cycling that has carried the business through changing times.

The shop began as the dream of founder Mike, who took early retirement from the water board in the late 1980s to follow his lifelong love of bikes. He found what the family still describe as “the perfect location” in Prendergast, opening the doors for the first time on November 16, 1988.

As demand grew, Mike brought in his close friend Mark as a partner, expanding into the entire lower floor of the building. The pair quickly built a strong reputation for honest advice, repairs done properly, and an old-fashioned customer service that kept people coming back.

Mike retired in 2000, with Mark taking over as sole owner. Under his leadership, the business went from strength to strength, surviving the recession, competition from big retail chains, and the shift towards online sales.

In 2008 the next generation stepped in when Mark’s son Shaun joined as a trainee mechanic. Originally intending to stay only while searching for a carpentry job, he quickly found he “absolutely loved” the work and decided to remain. Shaun is now a director, working alongside his father to steer the business into its fourth decade.

Today Mike’s Bikes is one of the best-known cycling shops in the county, stocking everything from children’s first bikes to high-end road and mountain models, as well as offering servicing and repairs. For many Pembrokeshire families, it’s the first stop whenever a tyre bursts, a bike is outgrown, or a child needs their first two wheels.

The shop thanked its customers in a message posted ahead of the anniversary, saying: “We would like to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you that has supported us over the years. Here’s to another 36 years.”

With three generations connected to the business and countless memories tied to the shopfront on Prendergast, Mike’s Bikes remains a rare example of a true independent business still thriving in Haverfordwest — powered not by trends, but by loyalty, community and a deep love of cycling.

TWR Y FELIN Felin Hotel, Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, has announced the opening of its new bespoke couple’s spa – an exclusive sanctuary designed to restore balance, renew the senses, and bring calming wellbeing to both body and mind.

The new private spa space combines modern wellness design with gentle natural elements, offering a serene environment for couples or small groups seeking deep relaxation. Centred on the therapeutic power of water, the spa provides a cocoon of tranquillity and indulgence just moments from the heart of St Davids.

Guests can unwind in the deep whirlpool bath, enjoy the circulation-boosting benefits of the infrared sauna, or cleanse and detoxify in the steam shower. The space also includes heated loungers and a private terrace, complemented by soft lighting and soothing music – creating an ideal backdrop for an hour or more of restorative escape.

One-hour spa sessions

Perfect for guests seeking a shorter break from the everyday, the spa offers one-hour sessions:

• Monday – Thursday: £50 per person
• Friday – Sunday: £60 per person

One-hour sessions can be booked online. Longer visits can be arranged directly with the hotel and are subject to availability.

Guests can also extend their wellness journey with a wide menu of treatments, including aromatherapy massage, therapeutic body massage, Indian head massage, body exfoliation rituals, and Twr y Felin’s signature Encapsulate treatment.

“Our vision was to create a space where guests can slow down, breathe, and indulge in a restorative experience that leaves them feeling renewed,” said Emma Bowen, General Manager. “The spa complements our philosophy of creating exceptional experiences inspired by art, culture, and the surrounding Pembrokeshire landscape.”

Booking information

The spa is open daily, with one-hour sessions available to book online. Packages and extended stays must be booked directly with the hotel’s reception team. Please note that the spa is an adults-only environment and is not suitable for pregnant guests.

For information, bookings, and full terms and conditions, visit:
https://twryfelinhotel.com/treatments/

About Twr y Felin Hotel

Located in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids, Twr y Felin Hotel is Wales’ first contemporary art hotel. The award-winning retreat offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining at Blas Restaurant, and a unique collection of specially commissioned artworks inspired by the dramatic Pembrokeshire coast.

A HAVERFORDWEST opticians has been recognised as one of Wales’ leading optical practices after being shortlisted for eight awards at the Optometry Wales Awards 2025.

Specsavers Haverfordwest, which is locally owned and run, is a finalist across categories including Multiple Practice of the Year, Technology Practice of the Year and Collaborative Working. These nominations reflect its commitment to delivering outstanding service, patient experience and innovation.

The store has also been shortlisted for Sustainability Practice of the Year, following its gold award in the Greener Primary Care Wales Framework and Award Scheme last year, which recognised its dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

‘We’re thrilled to be recognised in so many categories this year,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director at Specsavers Haverfordwest.

‘It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire team and the care we deliver every day to people across Pembrokeshire. Being finalists in eight different categories really shows the breadth of our expertise – from clinical leadership to customer service – and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved together.’

Several of the store’s employees have also been individually shortlisted:

• Andy Britton, specialist optometrist and ophthalmic director – Optometrist of the Year
• Chris Rosser, optical assistant – Optical Assistant of the Year
• Samantha Houghton, contact lens optician – Contact Lens Optician of the Year
• Alex O’Brien, dispensing technician – Rising Star

In 2023, director Andy Britton was awarded a medal by Specsavers founders Doug and Mary Perkins in recognition of his clinical excellence.

Mr Britton says: ‘It’s fantastic to be shortlisted for Optometrist of the Year, but what makes me most proud is seeing so many of my colleagues recognised too. This is a reflection of the dedication, innovation and care shown across our whole team.’

The winners will be announced at the Optometry Wales Awards ceremony in Cardiff on 29 November.

Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest. 

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.