Business
Plans for new flats in Merlin’s Hill conservation area approved
A call to convert a former guest house in Haverfordwest’s conservation area to flats has been given the go-ahead by county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr J Wandrum, through agent Ian Bartlett Planning and Architectural Services, sought a change of use of the nine-bed Normandie House guest house, 1 Merlin’s Hill, to four flats.
A supporting statement said planning permission for a change of use had previously been granted back in 2015 but was never implemented, the existing use continuing.
It added: “The submitted application seeks consent for the change of use of the building from a nine-bedroom guest house to create four self-contained flats (three two-bed flats and one one-bed). The conversion does not require any extension or significant external alteration of the building.
“The overall impact of the scheme upon residential amenity of neighbouring properties would be no greater than the former guest house use and in discussions with immediate neighbours the applicant has informed that this proposal is welcomed by them. No matters related to protected species are envisaged and no work that might affect any habitat is proposed.”
It went on to say there were no surface water drainage issues related to this proposal as there is no change to the amount of surface water to be disposed of.
“Mains foul drainage is connected, and it is considered that there will be a reduction in the foul flows generated from the site when judged against the guest house use.”
The application was conditionally approved by planning officers under delegated powers, the approval saying: “This application has been screened in accordance with Natural Resources Wales’ interim advice for planning applications within the river Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) catchments. It is considered that this development is unlikely to increase phosphate inputs.”
Business
Blas brings Pembrokeshire flavours to Cardiff with ‘Blas in the City’ at The Parkgate Hotel
BLAS RESTAURANT, the three AA rosette dining destination known for its modern Welsh cooking and deep connection to Pembrokeshire’s land and coast, is heading to the capital for a special three-day pop-up: Blas in the City, taking place from Thursday 26 February to Saturday 28 February 2026 at The Sorting Room in Cardiff’s landmark Parkgate Hotel.
For a limited time only, Cardiff diners are invited to experience the flavours, creativity and storytelling that define Blas — without leaving the city. Working alongside The Parkgate Hotel’s kitchen team, Blas Head Chefs Dan Slipakiv and Gareth Evans will present a bespoke menu showcasing the best of seasonal Welsh produce, with refined, flavour-led dishes inspired by Wales’s rich natural larder.
“Blas in the City is an exciting opportunity for us to share what we do with a new audience,” said Blas Head Chef Gareth Evans. “We’re proud of our Pembrokeshire roots, and this collaboration allows us to bring the spirit, flavours and creativity of Blas to Cardiff.”
Hosted in The Sorting Room — a Michelin Guide-listed, two AA rosette restaurant — the pop-up combines Blas’s bold contemporary style with the elegance of one of Cardiff’s most celebrated dining rooms.
Event details
Dates: 26–28 February 2026
Lunch: 12:30pm – 3:45pm
Dinner: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: The Sorting Room, The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
Dress code: Smart casual
Guests can book for lunch or dinner across all three days, with exclusive menus available throughout the event.
Blas in the City reflects the restaurant’s ongoing commitment to championing Welsh food, seasonal cooking and meaningful collaborations — offering guests the chance to enjoy something genuinely memorable.
Bookings are now open and availability is limited.
https://www.theparkgatehotel.wales/home/restaurant-bar/blas-in-the-city/
About Blas Restaurant
Blas is a three AA rosette contemporary Welsh restaurant rooted in Pembrokeshire, celebrating outstanding local produce, bold flavours and a strong sense of place. The name “Blas”, meaning “taste” in Welsh, reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of thoughtful, ingredient-led cooking inspired by land and sea.
Business
Wind turbine blade convoy rolls through Pembroke Dock to Waterston
Police escort guides huge component to Dragon LNG site as renewable upgrade continues
PEMBROKESHIRE residents were treated to an unusual sight on Monday (Jan 19) as a massive wind turbine blade was transported through Pembroke Dock under police escort.
The blade — stretching the length of a passenger aircraft wing — was carried on a specialist extendable trailer and moved slowly through the town before continuing towards the Dragon LNG site.
Footage shared online by Hidden Pembrokeshire – Gareth Davies Photography showed officers stopping traffic at junctions and roundabouts to allow the abnormal load to pass safely, with spotters walking alongside to guide the driver through tight bends and narrow sections of road.
Onlookers said the scale of the blade was striking up close, and many stopped to film the carefully managed convoy as it made its way along the route.
The delivery is part of ongoing works linked to new wind turbines being installed next to the Dragon LNG terminal, aimed at generating cleaner electricity for the site and helping to cut emissions in Pembrokeshire.
Further movements of turbine components are expected as the project continues.

Video: Gareth Davies/Hidden Pembrokeshire
Cover Photo: Martin Cavaney/Herald
Business
Loungers to open in Tenby’s South Beach this March
UK-WIDE hospitality company Loungers plc is planning to open a new beachfront venue in Tenby, with the promise of 30 jobs created, in just over two months’ time.
The West Country-based café/bar group gearing up to open Lansio Lounge at Tenby’s South Beach on Wednesday March 25.
Loungers, founded in 2002, runs family-friendly Lounge café bars across the UK – including the Cofio Lounge at the Guildhall, Carmarthen, and the Waldo Lounge at Haverfordwest’s Riverside.
The Loungers build and design team will transform the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant on Water’s Edge, South Beach in their unmistakable and unique style, Loungers has said.

Loungers added: “A real home from home, Lansio Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day with a varied and innovative all-day menu. Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils, and pads on offer. A full menu, high chairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for Little Loungers.
“With community and neighbourhood at its heart, Lansio Lounge will welcome locals looking for a space for regular catch ups, meetings and events – everything from business networking, book or knitting clubs to parent and baby meets and life drawing classes.”
Ellie Gould, regional community manager, The Lounges, says: “We can’t wait to open the doors of Lansio Lounge in March. We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents and visitors.

“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Tenby’s food and drink scene. Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we are open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.”
Late last week, the Loungers plans for the former Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant were revealled following an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Loungers signage at Salty’s, which recently closed.
Tenby Town Council is recommending approval for the signage, but the park’s buildings conservation officer Rob Scourfield is recommending refusal for the proposals, in the town’s conservation area, mainly on the grounds illuminated signage is not generally allowed there.
The signage application will be considered at a later date.
Family-run venue Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant announced its closure on social media, confirming that Sunday, January 4 was its final day of trading.
-
Crime6 days agoMilford Haven man tells jury he feared being run over outside pub
-
Crime7 days agoDock woman sentenced after assault on neighbour during ‘psychotic episode’
-
Crime7 days agoOn-duty paramedic racially abused at Withybush General Hospital
-
Crime7 days agoMilford Haven man denies sexual assault charge
-
Local Government6 days agoDramatic start to Neyland code hearing as town clerk gives evidence
-
Business7 days agoMilford Haven’s offshore future in focus as floating wind project wins backing
-
News4 days agoWhitland Post Office to reopen under new management in March
-
Crime7 days agoMan admits sword threats made against sister








