News

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

Published

3 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.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

8 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

21 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

21 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.