Business
New 4-star rating for Fishguard hotel and restaurant The Abergwaun

THE ABERGWAUN HOTEL in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, has just been awarded a 4-star rating by Visit Wales for its restaurant with rooms, the first ever rating for the boutique hotel.
Located in the coastal village of Fishguard – an area of outstanding natural beauty with towering cliffs, hill and valleys – this charming contemporary hotel was refurbished in 2020 after 10 years of standing derelict, by a young local couple Daniel Jones and Lois Thomas. Executive chef Daniel is from north Wales and has worked in kitchens including Pollen Street Social and The Hardwick, Abergavenny. He also competed in Masterchef: The Professionals in 2014 and he reached the semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year awards in 2018. General Manager Lois has a background in hospitality at top restaurants including the Townhouse in Oswestry with Michael Caines, Chapter One in Locksbottom, and Michelin starred restaurant with rooms The White Brook in Monmouth.
Co-owner and Executive Chef Daniel Jones said: “We are immensely proud of the team who have been recognised by Visit Wales for exceptional standards in housekeeping, hospitality and friendliness and dining. This is our first hotel inspection so we are thrilled with the results and we will continue to offer an exceptional experience for our guests.”
The couple took over The Abergwaun in 2020 and have won praise amongst locals and visitors to Pembrokeshire, with almost 99% 5* reviews on TripAdvisor. The hotel features five luxury ensuite rooms, including a dog-friendly room and a two-bedroom apartment, plus an outstanding restaurant with inventive menus and cocktails enjoyed in a welcoming, relaxed environment.
The modern European restaurant JT At the Abergwaun Hotel is steeped in Welsh heritage, supporting local suppliers and offering ingredients like Welsh ribeye steak and Welsh lamb, plus a selection of fine Welsh cheeses. The a la carte menu includes inventive takes on comforting classics, with starters like Crispy lamb taco, whisky treacle BBQ sauce, avocado, cocoa sunflower seed, pepper slaw and mains including Roasted venison haunch, roast carrot and onion, figs dauphinois potatoes, bordelaise sauce. Delicious desserts include the Dark chocolate delice, salt caramel, passion fruit & orange, pembs promise ice cream.
Picturesque Fishguard is known as the gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and here you’ll find the Preseli Hills, rising up to 536m and perfect for walks and viewpoints, plus ancient standing stones and idyllic valleys like Cwm Gwaun where there’s an abundance of wildlife and several bird species. In the heart of the village, there’s an array of independent businesses and galleries, gift and antique shops, a weekly market, plus many cosy cafés, pubs and restaurants. For arts and music lovers, Fishguard is also home to Fishguard International Music Festival that has brought world-class music to the area for 50 years.
A one-night stay costs from £100 for two sharing a double room, including breakfast. To book, visit https://www.jtabergwaunhotel.co.uk/ Call 01348 874 584
Business
£20m investment to secure future of Fishguard Port

Largest ferry to visit Fishguard as Stena Line commits to long-term upgrade
FISHGUARD Port is set for a major upgrade after ferry operator Stena Line announced a £20 million investment to replace the town’s ageing linkspan bridge.
The new infrastructure, described as “overdue” by the company, will provide increased flexibility and secure the long-term viability of the Pembrokeshire port, which serves the route to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.
Stena Line said it hopes construction on the new drawbridge-style linkspan will begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027. The company said the investment demonstrates a commitment to Fishguard for the next “30 to 40 years”.
Boost following Holyhead closure
Fishguard saw an unexpected increase in traffic in December 2024, after Storm Darragh damaged berthing terminals at Holyhead. The disruption meant freight traffic and ferries were redirected to Fishguard to relieve pressure on the Irish Sea route.
During this period, the Stena Adventurer — the largest ferry ever to visit the port — docked in Fishguard for the first time.
Ian Davies of Stena Line acknowledged that the new investment was long-awaited: “It’s overdue,” he said, but added that the upgraded linkspan would allow far more flexibility for vessels and scheduling in the years ahead.
Abandoned plans revived
A similar project to upgrade the port was cancelled in 2018, raising concerns locally about Fishguard’s future as a ferry terminal. At the time, tenders had already been invited for the build, but the scheme was scrapped unexpectedly.
The current single-lane linkspan, which dates back to the early 1970s, has been nearing the end of its working life for some time. Its replacement is expected to bring the port up to modern operational standards and support future vessel deployments.
Stena Line currently operates two roll-on roll-off ferry services per day between Fishguard and Rosslare.
The investment announcement has been welcomed by port users and the local community as a sign that the port will continue to play a key role in west Wales’ transport and economic infrastructure.
Business
Celtic Holiday Parks in administration as buyer sought

Popular holiday sites at Narberth and Amroth continue to trade
CELTIC HOLIDAY PARKS, the family-run company behind two of Pembrokeshire’s best-known holiday parks, has gone into administration.
The award-winning business operates Noble Court Holiday Park in Narberth and Meadow House Holiday Park in Amroth. Both sites remain open and trading as normal, with all employees retained and bookings unaffected while a buyer is sought.

High Court appointment
The administration was formalised on 27 May 2025 by the High Court’s Business and Property Court under case number 000020 of 2025.
Joint administrators Alistair Wardell and Richard Lewis of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed to oversee the process. Their Cardiff office, based at 3 Callaghan Square, is handling all enquiries.
Statement from the administrators
A spokesperson for the joint administrators at Grant Thornton said: “Alistair Wardell and Richard Lewis of Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP, 3 Callaghan Square, Cardiff CF10 5BT were appointed as joint administrators of Celtic Holiday Parks Limited on 27 May 2025.
“The joint administrators are continuing to trade the company’s business whilst a buyer is sought, and the company’s employees have been retained to support this strategy.
“We confirm that, unless customers are contacted and advised otherwise, their bookings will go ahead and access to the parks will continue as normal for owners of caravans and lodges.
“Should you be interested in acquiring the company’s business and assets, please contact the joint administrators’ team.”
Years of investment and accolades
Celtic Holiday Parks was founded in 2003 and led by managing director Huw Pendleton, who has overseen more than £6 million of investment in the parks over recent years.
Both sites offer a range of high-quality accommodation, including static caravans, glamping units and luxury lodges with hot tubs. Meadow House also includes an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
The business secured a six-figure loan from HSBC in 2020 under the UK Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), enabling the development of 54 new holiday units.
In 2022, Mr Pendleton received an industry award for his outstanding contribution to UK tourism, and the company has previously been recognised as Pembrokeshire’s best caravan and camping park.

Buyer invited
The Herald understands the administrators are currently in talks with interested parties and invites serious enquiries from potential buyers.
Anyone wishing to express an interest in purchasing the business or its assets is advised to contact the joint administrators without delay.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Photos: Luxury lodges and views from Meadow House (Images: Celtic Holiday Parks)
Business
Pembrokeshire businesses recognised at national rural awards

Velfrey Vineyard and Coterie Leather celebrated at Westminster reception
PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has praised two local businesses for their contribution to the county’s rural economy, following their recognition at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception held at Westminster.
Velfrey Vineyard, based near Narberth, and Coterie Leather, which produces hand-crafted leather goods in Pembrokeshire, were both honoured at the annual event, which celebrates outstanding rural businesses from across the UK.
Mr Tufnell said it was “a real privilege” to meet Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, along with Tracey from Coterie Leather, and to see their hard work acknowledged on a national platform.
“These are two incredible local businesses – putting Pembrokeshire on the map, and contributing so much to our local economy,” Mr Tufnell said.
Velfrey Vineyard is known for its crisp Welsh sparkling wines, produced from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of the Lampeter Vale. The vineyard has been steadily gaining national recognition for both the quality of its wines and its commitment to sustainable viticulture.
Coterie Leather, meanwhile, specialises in high-quality leather bags and accessories, all produced locally using traditional methods and ethically sourced materials. The business has built a loyal following for its craftsmanship and sustainable values.
Speaking after the event, Mr Tufnell encouraged residents and visitors alike to support local producers. “If you’re looking for a crisp Welsh wine to enjoy in this sunshine, or a sustainably produced leather bag to pack your summer essentials – you know where to go.”
The Countryside Alliance Awards, often referred to as the “Rural Oscars”, are held annually to celebrate businesses that go the extra mile to support their communities and promote the rural way of life.
Photo caption: Proud moment: Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, and Tracey from Coterie Leather, meet Henry Tufnell MP at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception (Pic: supplied).
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