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Pembrokeshire restaurant goes from pop-up to the best in Wales

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JT ABERGWAUN HOTEL in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, has clinched the coveted title of the best restaurant in Wales, emerging victorious at the prestigious Food Awards Wales 2023.

In a dazzling ceremony held last night, Monday, June 26, at The Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, the culinary gem of Fishguard received the Outstanding Restaurant of the Year award, adding another jewel to its crown.

The Food Awards Wales aims to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable talent and unwavering dedication of the Welsh food industry, showcasing the finest restaurants, takeaways, pubs, cafes, and producers in the country.

The winners were determined through public voting, with enthusiastic patrons nominating their preferred establishments across a range of categories.

Dan Jones, the mastermind behind JT Abergwaun Hotel, expressed his overwhelming joy at receiving the esteemed accolade.

“We were just there because it’s something happening on a Monday night that we could just go and enjoy and spend some time together that’s not work,” shared Dan, reflecting on the unexpected triumph.

Dan attributed the restaurant’s resounding success to the exceptional team supporting him, including his new partner in life, Lois.

“We’ve been together for ten years, in business together as JT for seven years, and married for two weeks,” Dan disclosed. “We are both Thomas-Jones now, so we are both JT.”

Following their recent wedding, Dan and Lois have experienced an exhilarating whirlwind of two weeks, culminating in their triumph last night.

“It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for us,” Dan exclaimed, proudly highlighting his previous achievement of winning Pub Chef of the Year at the International Salon Culinaire awards last year.

“We have grown from a little pop-up restaurant to a restaurant, to a hotel, and managed to maintain the same impeccable standards,” Dan added. “Everything we’ve done has put Fishguard on the foodie map.”

With their sights set on the future, Dan revealed that the coming months promise to be equally thrilling, with a couple of top-secret projects under wraps and the imminent launch of an entirely new menu.

“Winning this award has given us the confidence to elevate the restaurant to the next level. That’s what truly excites us,” Dan concluded, brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation for the remarkable journey ahead.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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