Business
One of Milford Haven’s favourite pubs on the market
Priory Inn, a favourite watering hole for many a Pembrokeshire Herald journalist, faces an uncertain future as it graces the open market.
Nestled next to the Pill Priory, a historic structure founded circa 1200, the Priory Inn boasts a history that traces back to the Middle Ages. Serenely situated by a gentle stream and surrounded by mature woodlands, the inn is located in the quaint Lower Priory hamlet. This hamlet sits at the pinnacle of Havens Head Lake on Milford Haven’s south-eastern edge.
The inn is distinguished as a Grade II* Listed Building, exuding an old-world charm and rustic allure. Among its notable features are an elegant Inglenook fireplace and an impressive vaulted ceiling.
Guy Thomas and Co highlight the inn’s prime location and substantial size as promising factors. “Its proximity to Milford Haven coupled with its size offers vast potential,” they remark. They envision its transformation not just as a pub but also as a venue for gourmet dining, events, and even nuptials.
The four-bedroomed property welcomes visitors into a spacious public bar area, accentuated with a grand fireplace and wood burner. Dual windows offer serene views of the surroundings, while the exposed timbers and tiled flooring enhance its rustic ambiance.
Adjacent rooms include a middle bar boasting a distinctive vaulted ceiling, a wood burner set in a cozy recess, and charming nooks that lend character to the space. The rear section of the inn houses a restaurant with a striking corner fireplace, a beamed ceiling, and a doorway that ushers you to the property’s facade.
The well-appointed kitchen is furnished with functional worktops, ample storage, and modern appliances, including a built-in electric oven and hob. Essential amenities such as a stainless-steel sink and provisions for a washing machine are in place.
The ground floor also hosts an entrance porch that guides visitors to the restrooms and the beer cellar. While the inn currently offers four bedrooms, potential exists for expansion into the attic, potentially bringing the count to six.
The sprawling exteriors feature a spacious car park, manicured lawns previously used as a bowling green, multiple patios, mature shrubbery, and a standout tree. A serene stream traces the eastern boundary, eventually merging with the Havens Head Lake.
For those interested in owning a piece of Pembrokeshire history, the Priory Inn awaits its new proprietor at an asking price of £350,000.
Business
Authentic Turkish flavours come to Haverfordwest with exciting café opening
A DREAM is set to become reality for Hatice Eltan as she prepares to open Turkish Kitchen Café on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, on February 1, 2025, at 10:00am.
The café promises to bring the vibrant and authentic tastes of Turkish cuisine to Pembrokeshire, offering carefully crafted dishes, aromatic coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the café aims to become a hub for both locals and visitors.
Hatice, who moved to Pembrokeshire five years ago with her daughter Eliza and son Deniz, described her excitement: “I’ve always had a passion for cooking and catering, and opening my own café has been a long-standing dream. Pembrokeshire deserves a place where people can experience traditional Turkish food. Many locals love visiting Turkey on holiday, and I want to bring a piece of that experience here.”
The launch event will feature a special food-tasting experience, giving visitors a chance to savour traditional Turkish delicacies such as savoury gözleme, sweet baklava, and refreshing Ayran — a classic yoghurt-based drink. Complimentary samples of Turkish coffee and tea will also be available.
In addition to the tasting, the café will run a raffle where one lucky winner will enjoy a free meal for two, and the first 50 guests will receive a special gift voucher.
Hatice will be joined by her brother-in-law Mustafa Eltan in running the café. Together, they plan to create a warm and inviting space that celebrates Turkish culture and cuisine.
Looking ahead, Hatice has ambitious plans for the café:
“If all goes well, I hope to expand Turkish Kitchen into a full restaurant with extended hours. I already have the necessary licensing to remain open until 3:00am, and I’m excited about the possibilities for the future.”
Hatice, originally from London with Turkish heritage, spoke about her love for Pembrokeshire: “We first visited Pembrokeshire on a weekend trip and instantly fell in love with the community, the beaches, and the slower pace of life. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my family.”
Turkish Kitchen Café aims to offer more than just food; it promises an experience — a journey through flavours, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality.
For more information, visit turkishkitchencafe.co.uk.
Business
Welsh firms expect brighter profits in 2025
MORE than three-quarters (79%) of Welsh businesses expect greater profitability in 2025, a significant increase from 69% recorded in December 2023, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.
The survey also revealed that 73% of firms anticipate a rise in turnover next year. Of those, nearly a third (32%) predict revenue growth of between six and 10%, while over a quarter (26%) expect even higher gains.
Profitability remains the top priority for 55% of businesses, followed closely by staff upskilling (43%) and productivity improvements (33%). Additionally, 17% of firms aim to enhance their technology, including automation and AI, while 18% are focused on improving environmental sustainability.
To achieve these goals, more than a third (35%) of Welsh businesses plan to invest in staff training, with 29% allocating resources towards research and development (R&D) of new products or services.
The Lloyds Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and has been running since 2002, provides valuable insights into regional and national economic trends.
Sam Noble, Regional Director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Welsh businesses are looking ahead to the new year with ambitious plans. While uncertainties remain, these strategies will help them achieve growth and strengthen their resilience against potential challenges. As they move forward, we’ll continue to stand by them with our support.”
Business
Three daily sailings from Pembroke to Ireland from January 7
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed it will facilitate a third daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis from 7th January 2025. Irish Ferries vessel the ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will call at the Port in addition to the twice-daily scheduled call of the ‘James Joyce’.
There will now be two sailings to Rosslare and one to Dublin from Pembroke Dock, daily.
Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “Since the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, the Port of Milford Haven has been working in close collaboration with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government and Irish Ferries to identify ways in which it can support the national effort to move freight and passengers between Britain and Ireland.
“As the UK’s largest energy port responsible for the facilitation of around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, we have had to look carefully at how we can support additional ferry traffic without impacting vital UK energy supplies.
“After careful analysis we have identified that we can accommodate an additional daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis. This third sailing of Irish Ferries vessel ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will be in addition to the usual twice-daily sailing of the ‘James Joyce’. However, whilst the James Joyce will be departing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal at its usual timetabled slots of 02:45 and 14:45, the Isle of Innisfree departure time will be dependent on other traffic movements, although we will be aiming for a departure time of 0600 where possible.
“Thank you to all our customers for their patience and understanding whilst we have taken time to identify ways to support all traffic movements on the Milford Haven Waterway. Finally, thank you to the community of Pembroke Dock who have endured additional traffic through the town throughout this period.”
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