The Royal George pub has announced the closure of its kitchen until further notice, citing a significant decline in customers due to local construction works. The announcement, made yesterday, follows ongoing disruptions caused by the closure of the South Quay Car Park and the commencement of major building projects in the surrounding area.

In a statement, the pub’s proprietor Phil Lewis expressed deep regret over the decision, explaining that the impact of the construction on their food service has been profound. “After a great deal of thought and with reluctance, I have come to the decision to close our kitchen due to a significant decline in custom,” he said. The Landlord also noted that the disruption is expected to worsen as the construction project continues over the next 18 months.

The kitchen closure comes after a steady drop in food sales, which he attributed directly to the reduced footfall in the area. “Food sales have dramatically slumped and cannot sustain continued trading to the standards that Mandy and I have worked so hard to uphold,” he added.

Despite the kitchen closure, the Royal George will remain open for business. Phil has reassured patrons that bar services, including the sale of ales, wines, and spirits, will not be affected. “The pub will battle on!” he declared, thanking regular customers for their continued support over the years.

The pub hopes to resume kitchen services once the disruptions subside and some level of normality returns.

A RESUBMITTED scheme for a gin distillery as part of a B&B in the centre of Britain’s smallest city has been turned down by Pembrokeshire national park planners, with hopes the applicant may try a third time as a distillery only.

Last October, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners refused an application by Neil Walsh for a change of use of the exiting guest house at St Davids Distillery, Restaurant & Rooms, 11-13 Nun Street, St Davids to include the bar/restaurant and distillery.

The plans for the Grade II-listed property had drawn 23 responses of concern, including intensification of use from the bar, impacts on local amenity, and Health and Safety concerns about the installation of a still and the use of ethanol, with fears of a fire and explosion risk.

The scheme – supported by St David’s City Council – was partly retrospective as the gin still had been installed, but was not currently in use, in the distillery sited below existing bedrooms at the guesthouse.

The latest application, a mixed use of 11-13 Nun Street as a bed and breakfast and housing part of the gin distillery plant, was again recommended for refusal. At the October 16 meeting of the park’s development management committee.

It was proposed that the ethanol and botanicals would be stored off-site and brought onto the premises only when distilling is taking place; 30 days a year, with no guests on site.

There were 15 letters of objection to the scheme, raising concerns including it “could result in death, injuries and large-scale damage to property”.

An officer report said mitigation measures suggested in order to minimise the risk associated with ethanol for gin production “would not, in the opinion of the authority, be reasonable, practical or enforceable”.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Walsh said the scheme would help safeguard 11 jobs by diversifying the existing business, with hopes of creating further jobs in the future.

Mr Walsh, who owns a nearby restaurant, had said tourism had declined as there had been “confidence back for the UK market to travel abroad,” and gin production would help market St Davids as a global brand.

Addressing safety concerns, he said the still, sited retrospectively in order to comply with distillery licensing, had been installed by a “world-class master distiller,” who had previously installed a still some two-and-a-half times larger on a P&O ferry.

He told members the ‘spirit tourism’ business was worth hundreds of millions of pounds in the UK, with Welsh Government funding for a Penderyn distillery visitor centre, adding: “if this was dangerous and irregular why have government given money?”

A sticking point for members was the sharing of the distillery with the B&B, pondering whether Mr Walsh – who was broadly positive – could resubmit an application for a distillery only, after hearing that could not be suggested as an amendment to the existing scheme.

Moving the application be refused, Cllr Di Clements said: “It’s a real shame because it’s such a good idea, nobody is against what Mr Walsh wants to do; it’s the combination which is the issue, I hope Mr Walsh can come back with another application if this fails.”

Dr Rosetta Plummer, who seconded refusal, praised the applicant’s “passion and clarity,” adding: “Unfortunately, we are bound to make a judgement on what is before us today.”

The scheme was refused by 12 votes to two.

A SIGNIFICANT milestone has been reached at the Port of Milford Haven today with the keel laying ceremony for its new state-of-the-art 22-metre pilot transfer vessel. The vessel, currently under construction by Next Generation Shipyards, is the first step in a multi-million-pound investment programme aimed at enhancing the Port’s pilotage services.

The keel laying ceremony, traditionally marking the official start of a ship’s construction, highlights the Port’s continued commitment to improving safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. This new vessel will play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of pilotage at the UK’s leading energy port.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, spoke of the significance of the event: “Today’s keel laying ceremony is a momentous occasion for everyone involved in the project. This new vessel represents our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. As the UK’s leading energy port, we understand the importance of having world-class infrastructure to support our customers and maintain our competitive advantage.”

Wayne Busby, Watch Manager at the Port, expressed his anticipation for the vessel’s arrival next year, noting: “The Marine team is eagerly awaiting the delivery of our Next Generation pilot transfer vessel. We face some of the most challenging weather conditions in the world, and this substantial investment will ensure we can continue providing excellent service long into the future.”

Next Generation Shipyards, known for its innovative designs and craftsmanship, is building the 22-metre vessel to meet the unique demands of pilot transfer operations. With advanced safety features, improved sea-keeping abilities, and cutting-edge technology, the vessel is designed to optimise performance in harsh conditions.

Technical Director at Next Generation Shipyards, Dirk Keizer, commented: “With this keel laying, the construction has begun for an extraordinary vessel. The technical and comfort capabilities combined with self-righting technology make this vessel stand out. We are pleased to contribute to the Port’s future and are involved in maintenance and training programmes to ensure smooth operations.”

Steven Lee, Chief Naval Architect at BMT, added: “This milestone reflects the dedicated efforts of the project team over the past ten months. This new pilot boat will meet regulatory and operational standards, setting a new benchmark for heavy weather operations. We look forward to supporting the vessel through its construction and trials.”

Ed Soothill, Technical Director at Camarc Design, also highlighted the significance of the project: “We have worked closely with the Port of Milford Haven and NG Shipyards to develop a pilot boat that can handle very demanding operational conditions. We are delighted to see the project reach this stage and look forward to its completion in 2025.”

The new pilot transfer vessel is expected to enter service in 2025, reinforcing the Port of Milford Haven’s commitment to providing safe and efficient marine services. This vessel will be a cornerstone of the Port’s long-term investment strategy, ensuring its continued ability to serve a wide range of vessels.