Business

In Memoriam: Bessie Davies – The Heart and Soul of the Dyffryn Arms

Published

12 months ago

December 16, 2023

IN THE QUIET and picturesque Cwm Gwaun valley of Pembrokeshire, Wales, the sun rose on a somber day as we mourn the passing of a local legend. Bessie Davies, the beloved pub landlord of the Dyffryn Arms, passed away on Saturday morning (Dec 16) at 8am. She was 94 years old, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, tradition, and the finest beer in Pembrokeshire.

For decades, Bessie had been an integral part of the local community, serving not only her renowned brew but also her heart’s labour to visitors and locals alike. The Dyffryn Arms, nestled amidst the lush woodlands and winding roads of the valley, may appear unassuming from the outside, but inside, it was Bessie’s home and her heart.

Since the tender age of 20, Bessie had been tending to the pub’s patrons from a hatch in her front room, upholding a tradition that has been in her family since 1840. Her commitment to the Dyffryn Arms was unwavering, and her dedication to preserving the traditions of her community was evident in her daily life.

Those who had the privilege of crossing her threshold would find a room full of cheer and a warm welcome, no matter the season or the occasion. Even in her eighties, Bessie was a lively presence, lighting the fire and showing genuine interest in the lives of those who entered her establishment. Her son-in-law would dutifully serve drinks from the hatch, pouring from a jug filled with the exceptional beer that Bessie was known for. She once quipped, “I’ve got lovely beer here, proper beer. Not these other pubs—those drinks are 60 per cent fizz.”

Bessie’s beer was like amber, not ice-cold like the modern palate has grown accustomed to, but refreshingly unique, with minimal bubbles. Its flavor was a harmonious blend of sweetness and bitterness that left an indelible mark on the taste buds of all who sampled it.

The Dyffryn Arms, affectionately referred to as “Bessie’s” by the locals, was more than just a pub; it was a hub of tradition and community. As a testament to the enduring gratitude and admiration of her patrons, the walls of the pub were adorned with notes from visitors who had come from far and wide to savor Bessie’s hospitality.

Bessie’s warmth extended beyond the walls of the Dyffryn Arms. She was known for her fluency in the Welsh language and delighted in hearing it spoken by her visitors. Her dedication to preserving the traditions of her community was evident in her daily life, whether it was making a hearty Cawl for her guests or accepting gifts of fresh produce from those who held her in high esteem.

While the Dyffryn Arms may not have been everyone’s idea of a modern establishment, with its unchanged wallpaper and hand-washed glasses, it possessed an enduring charm that few could resist. The fire was always stoked, and tales of old and new were ever-present, making it a place where stories unfolded as naturally as the seasons.

The Dyffryn Arms, was not just a pub; it was a living, breathing testament to the spirit of Welsh hospitality and tradition. Bessie’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to experience her warmth and the exceptional beer she served.

Bessie Davies’ memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but the legacy of her hospitality and the Dyffryn Arms will continue to welcome those who seek the authentic charm and tradition that defined her remarkable life.

Business

Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding wins three top industry awards

Published

59 mins ago

November 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILLIN BROOK Luxury Dog Boarding, a family-run business in Wiston, has received three major industry awards this year, cementing its place as a leader in pet care services.

The first accolade came in September when the business was named Business Service of the Year at the PetQuip Awards. Co-owner Sian Smith said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Business Service of the Year. We put our heart and soul into providing the highest possible level of service to our wonderful clients, and it’s great to have this recognised by industry experts.”

THE UK’S BEST

On November 7, Millin Brook was crowned Best Kennels in the UK at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards. These awards, which celebrate excellence across the pet care sector, saw Millin Brook score highly in customer satisfaction.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, said:

“Millin Brook particularly impressed the judges. They scored very highly on their customer satisfaction scores.”

Co-owner Dave Smith added: “This is the biggest accolade we can receive in the pet industry, and we are so very proud.”

A LONDON CELEBRATION

The year was rounded off on November 21, when Millin Brook won the Kennel and Home Boarding category at the Dog Friendly Awards, held at the Kennel Club in Mayfair, London.

Mrs Smith reflected on the occasion, saying: “It is such a beautiful venue and full of history. Following the award ceremony, we were treated to a fabulous spread of afternoon tea. One of the highlights was meeting Ted, the dog from Gone Fishing. We finished the day with a tour around the Kennel Club museum and enjoyed a few celebration drinks.”

These three awards highlight Millin Brook’s commitment to providing outstanding pet care and confirm its status as a standout name in the UK pet industry.

Business

Haverfordwest butcher wins best banger in Wales

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PRENDERGAST BUTCHERS in Haverfordwest has taken the top prize for the best sausage in Wales, at the prestigious ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2024’ competition.

Organised by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the award celebrates the artisan Welsh pork industry, which is defined by smaller scale and specialised farms and producers.

The award-winning family butchers is run by Chris and Rachel Wolsey, along with their two sons Tom and Mark.

The family have been farming in Pembrokeshire for almost 50 years, and took over the shop some seven years ago. In that time, the business has been transformed and consistently wins awards for the quality of its offering, including being named the best butcher in Wales at the UK-wide Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards.

Announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Show, not only was their Prendergast Gold sausage named the best banger in Wales, but their Merry Cherry entry also reigned supreme in the newly introduced Best Christmas Sausage category.

Speaking of his pride at winning both awards, Chris Wolsey said, “Having made the shortlist for the two previous years and just missing out on the top prize, it’s fantastic to have finally taken the crown. To win the best Christmas sausage as well is just the icing on top.

“Everyone in the shop is over the moon. Both entries are a combination of the family doing a lot of trialling and tasting, and getting the sausages to the point where we feel they would be appealing to our customers. My preference is for a sausage with very high pork content, and which just has the bare minimum of seasoning, hand mixed and with a natural casing. When you have an amazing product, like locally reared pork in Wales, then you want that to be the star of the show and the main flavour.

“In my opinion, pork from Wales is superior. The flavour, husbandry and smaller scale farms sets us apart from the larger, more industrial method of farming. At Prendergast Butchers, we know exactly where all our meat comes from, it’s fully traceable and we work closely with our customers and farmers to get the product exactly as they want it.”

Philippa Gill, Brand Engagement Lead at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, commented, “We are thrilled that Prendergast Butchers took not just one, but both awards at this year’s competition.

“The standards continue to be high, and highlight some of the quality, artisan products that are available locally to people in Wales.

“Our small-scale producers offer unique, hand-reared products, often available directly or from local shops like Prendergast Butchers. With fewer food miles, it’s often a more sustainable choice, in addition to helping keep money in the local economy. We would strongly encourage people to seek out their local pork producer and give them a try.”

For more information on pork produced in Wales, and where you can buy it, visit porcblasus.cymru.

Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

Published

11 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.