PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED micro-distillery, Still Wild, will bring its award winning spirits to the heart of London as part of a special food and drink showcase at the iconic Spitalfields Market over St David’s Day weekend.

Taking place on Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March, and set within one of London’s most historic food destinations, the market will feature more than a dozen Welsh food and drink producers. The event will celebrate Wales’ position as a modern food nation, renowned for producing world-class food and drink.

Still Wild, which is known for its selection of wild botanical infused vermouth, gins, negronis, aperitif, nocino and vodkas will feature among the curated selection of producers. The Kilgetty based micro distillery launched Wales’ first ever vermouth in 2020 and hand-forages local botanicals to develop products that capture the flavours of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Using a cold vacuum distillation process Still Wild is able preserve the delicate aromas of its botanicals and natural additives, a technique that has earned the brand international recognition, including a top global ranking at the World Vermouth Awards.

James Harrison-Allen of Still Wild said: “We’re really excited about having the opportunity to showcase our award winning range of vermouths and aperitivos to a London audience. We’ve had a loyal customer base in London via our website ever since we started, but I can’t wait to be pouring drinks in person. We’re really passionate about all the amazing wild Welsh botanicals that we forage, and I’m really eager to share them with everyone.”

Spitalfields Market, with its rich trading heritage and reputation for outstanding produce, provides the perfect backdrop to tell the story of Welsh food and drink to a London audience. Over the weekend, visitors will be invited to discover products that reflect the quality, character and ambition of contemporary Wales – from heritage-inspired favourites to innovative, modern brands.

Celebrating St David’s Day through food

The Spitalfields showcase forms part of a wider St David’s Day celebration being organised by Food & Drink Wales, the Welsh Government’s food division, which alongside its vital role in supporting and nurturing the sector, uses food and drink as a powerful way to express national identity, creativity and pride.

From artisan producers to established Welsh brands, the events will highlight how Wales’s food and drink scene is shaped by its landscape and brought to life by the people who make it.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: “St David’s Day is the perfect moment to celebrate the exceptional quality and creativity of Welsh food and drink producers. From award-winning charcuterie to innovative craft spirits, the businesses showcasing at Spitalfields represent the very best of what Wales has to offer.

“Our food and drink sector is built on strong foundations -protected geographical status, sustainable farming practices and generations of skilled production. But it’s also a sector that continues to evolve, with producers combining their heritage with fresh ideas and ambitious growth plans.

“Events like this are vital for connecting Welsh businesses with new markets and demonstrating to buyers across the UK that Wales is a modern food nation with products that can compete at the highest level.”

LOCAL Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has welcomed representatives from LINK to Pembroke Dock for discussions on the urgent need for a dedicated banking hub, following the closure of Lloyds Bank in the town last year.

The visit follows a sustained community campaign led by Mr Kurtz, which has gathered more than 1,500 signatures in support of establishing a banking hub in Pembroke Dock. As a result of this campaign, LINK has reopened its assessment and is now reviewing whether Pembroke Dock and the surrounding communities meet the criteria for a hub.

Mr Kurtz convened the meeting with LINK alongside key local representatives, including Stephen Thornton of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade, Cllr Gareth Jones, Mayor of Pembroke, and Sarah Scourfield, Clerk to Pembroke Dock Town Council. Cllr Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, also expressed her support for the campaign but was unable to attend.

Speaking following the meeting, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “I am pleased that LINK are demonstrating the seriousness this campaign deserves by visiting Pembroke Dock and undertaking a thorough review of whether there is a clear need for a banking hub.

“I have consistently made the case that Pembroke Dock cannot be considered in isolation. Pembroke and neighbouring communities must be factored into the assessment, particularly given the rural nature of the area and limited public transport connectivity.

“This is a truly community-led campaign, and I am pleased to have helped bring partners together to make the case. We now await the outcome of LINK’s review and keep our fingers crossed that will see a much-needed banking hub established in Pembroke Dock.”

Regional cyber crime officers urge residents to act quickly if contacted

POLICE in Wales have issued an urgent warning to cryptocurrency holders after officers discovered personal data linked to individuals in the region on the dark web.

Specialist officers from the Cyber Crime Team at Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) have already contacted a number of people whose details were identified.

Anyone who received an email from Tarian ROCU on Thursday (Feb 19) is being urged not to ignore it, as action may be needed to protect themselves from fraud.

Officers stressed that genuine police emails will not usually contain links or attachments. Anyone unsure about the authenticity of a message claiming to be from police is advised to contact 101 to verify it.

Detective Inspector Mathew Davies, from Tarian ROCU, said cryptocurrency owners are increasingly being targeted by criminals.

He said: “Cryptocurrency holders are attractive targets to fraudsters. I would urge anyone who has cryptocurrency to ensure they are secure online and to be aware of potential scams.

“Make sure you are using strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using a password manager. Regularly check your bank and other financial accounts for signs of suspicious activity.”

Police warned that fraudsters often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, police, or financial institutions. Genuine representatives from these bodies will never ask people to transfer money, share financial details, or hand over remote access to devices.

Officers also highlighted the growing role of social media in scams, with around two-thirds of cryptocurrency frauds now beginning on online platforms, including dating sites.

Detective Inspector Davies added: “Fraudsters may attempt to build a rapport with you online and then encourage you to invest your cryptocurrency in a scheme that seems too good to be true. I would encourage all cryptocurrency holders to learn how scams work and how their money or data could be stolen.”

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or fallen victim to fraud is urged to report it via Action Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk.

Further advice on staying safe online is available from the National Cyber Security Centre.