News

The Druidstone Hotel receives backlash after charging a £200 membership fee

Published

4 years ago

September 21, 2021

Mr Bell said he had been left struggling to cope after the bar was overrun with visitors.

OWNERS of Pembrokeshire Hotel based in Haverfordwest have been labelled as “elitist” after introducing a £200 membership fee to their members-only bar.

Angus Bell, the owner of The Druidstone Hotel claims the hotel have been overwhelmed since tourists that have been staying in nearby caravan parks and airbnbs have filled the hotel in attempts to take images of the sunset on the hotel’s clifftop balcony to post to Instagram.

Mr Bell said he had been left struggling to cope after the bar, overlooking St Brides Bay, was overrun with visitors.

“It just got too much,” he said.

“My guests were having to wait 45 minutes at the bar to get a drink and a lot of the local people would avoid us in the summer because we were too busy.

“We could have gone down the route of having a second bar, but we don’t want to be a pub and I didn’t like walking into my garden to find 60 people there that I didn’t know.”

Mr Bell said that the criticism had not changed his mind, and he now had time for his staff and guests after introducing the system.

“I’ve made my life better – even though someone might be a bit upset that they can’t pop in for a cup of tea,” he said.

The former Victorian home was transformed into a 10-bedroom hotel by Mr Bell’s parents, Rod and Jane Bell in 1972.

Mr Bell, who took over the hotel after his parents died, said the membership, which can increase to £400 a year with extra advantages, for example; an increased bar tab facility, was rolled out to try and “control numbers” and make it a nicer place to live and stay.

Mr Bell, who currently runs the hotel with his partner Beth Wilshaw, says that his parents had previously run the hotel as a members-only club.

He has said that non-members are still able to book rooms at the hotel, or a table at the restaurant. The membership only affects the bar.

Some people have described the change as “elitist” and that it was “barring” visitors and locals from visiting the hotel. Several people have taken to TripAdvisor to voice their concerns.

One person has wrote: “So disappointing to have such a lovely place turned into an elitist members-only clique where you can only drink if you’re staying there or pay £200+ a year.”

One reviewer wrote they would no longer be able to go to the Druidstone after going there for food and drinks for over 40 years.

However, in a note on the hotel website, they say they “know there are people who really love this place but for whom £200 annually just will not be possible,”

Adding: “We don’t want to price people out of The Druidstone. So talk to Angus and Beth.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.