Narberth favourite retains title after overwhelming public support

THE IVY BUSH Inn has been crowned Best Local Pub 2026, retaining its title after receiving an overwhelming show of support from the community.

The popular Narberth venue dominated this year’s competition, attracting more than 150 nominations—far surpassing all other entrants and cementing its place at the heart of local life.

The annual competition, organised by Conservative Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz MS and supported by Templeton Beer Wine and Spirit Co, celebrates the vital role pubs play across Pembrokeshire. Now in its second year, the initiative highlights how pubs continue to bring communities together.

More than 1,000 nominations were submitted by the public this year, with over 70 pubs across the county taking part.

In second place was the Highgate Inn in Hundleton, followed by the Watermans Arms in Pembroke, both praised for their strong community focus and welcoming atmosphere.

Other highly commended venues included The Bunker, The Cross Saws and The Cresselly Arms, showcasing the strength and diversity of Pembrokeshire’s pub scene.

The Ivy Bush Inn was presented with a free keg of beer and a winner’s certificate on Tuesday (Mar 31).

Voters were quick to praise the Narberth pub for its atmosphere and inclusivity.

“It’s the heart of Narberth—always something going on and everyone is welcome,” said one.

Another added: “From the moment you walk in, you feel like family,” while others described it as having a “brilliant atmosphere, great staff and the best nights out around.”

The strength of feeling extended across the competition, with many highlighting the wider role pubs play in their communities.

“Not just a pub—it’s the hub of the village,” one voter said of the Highgate Inn, while the Watermans Arms was described as “a place where everyone feels welcome and supported.”

The Cresselly Arms also received praise, with one nomination stating: “Always a warm welcome from Steve and his staff in this unspoilt, special pub.”

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “This competition has once again shown just how important our local pubs are to communities across Pembrokeshire. The response has been incredible.

“The Ivy Bush Inn’s level of support was exceptional and a testament to the role it plays in Narberth. But every single pub nominated should be proud. They are the backbone of our communities, and the comments about each establishment have been a joy to read.”

Jason Vaughan, owner of The Ivy Bush Inn, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win again. This means so much because it comes directly from our customers and community. Thank you to everyone who voted—we’re incredibly grateful for your support.”

Lyndon Belt of Templeton Beer Wine and Spirit Co said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people getting behind their local pubs. They are such an important part of our communities and deserve to be recognised.”

Motorist fled scene after colliding with fence and hedge near Clunderwen

A LLANDISSILIO motorist has been handed an interim driving disqualification after failing to stop following a collision on the A478.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Dean Duffy, 31, collided with a fence and hedge while driving his Ford Puma at Clunderwen on Tuesday (Mar 4). His failure to stop and report the incident led to his court appearance.

Duffy, of Maesybryn, Llandissilio, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report the accident, driving without third party insurance and driving while disqualified.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court: “A vehicle collided with a fence and hedge and the bumper came off. The vehicle was abandoned, but correspondence on the seat identified the defendant as possibly being the person responsible.”

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until Tuesday (Apr 28) to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service.

Duffy was disqualified from driving on an interim basis pending sentence.

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after taking his mother’s car without permission and crashing into a wall, causing damage to a parked BMW.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that on September 27, 2025, Tony Brundrett, 21, took his mother’s Vauxhall Astra from her home and drove off without her consent.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Brundrett lost control of the vehicle and collided with a wall.

“The wall collapsed as a result of the impact, causing damage to a parked BMW,” she said.

The owner of the BMW said the vehicle suffered bodywork damage and scratching following the incident.

When arrested, Brundrett was found to have 253 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system, more than five times the legal limit of 50.

The court heard that although Brundrett’s mother confirmed the car was hers, she did not wish to criminalise her son.

Brundrett, of Kavanagh Court, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, criminal damage, and drug-driving.

Defending, Alaw Harries said: “He accepts his behaviour was foolish and irresponsible and wishes to apologise to the court for what took place.

“At the time of the offence, he was experiencing significant personal difficulties. This was the first and last time he has taken drugs, and he was not thinking clearly. While that is not an excuse, it provides context. He is now in a much better place.”

Magistrates sentenced Brundrett to 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 24 months. He was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £100 compensation, a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.