News

Griffin Inn named ‘Best Seafood Restaurant’

Published

9 years ago

May 6, 2016

AT THE ANNUAL Food Awards Wales on Monday (Apr 18), it was announced that The Griffin Inn in Dale had been awarded the title of the ‘Best Seafood Restaurant’ in Wales.

The biggest event in the Welsh food calendar, the awards aim to recognise the hard work and efforts of the Welsh food industry. Accolades include restaurants, takeaways, gastro pubs, hotel restaurants, cafes and bistros, as well as shine the spotlight on the wonderful local producers who supply their delicious ingredients.

As well as the awards, the event helps raise funds for their official charity partner, Make A Wish Foundation UK, who grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

Irfan Younis, of event organisers Creative Oceanic, said: “The tremendous amount of nominations received from the Welsh public, is a testament to the hard work of all those working within the food sector.

The Griffin in Dale, Pembrokeshire had been shortlisted in the ‘Best Seafood Establishment’ category at the awards and this week they were crowned winners at the glamorous ceremony, which was held in Cardiff.

Speaking to The Herald on Wednesday (Apr 20) after their win, owner Sian Mathias said: “Simon and I are overwhelmed at winning this award. We really did not expect it. But this just shows that the hard work of the entire Griffin Inn team over the last six has paid off.”

Asked what she thought the key to success was, Sian told the Herald: “Two years ago we bought our own fishing boat with local fisherman Mark Gainfort, who catches anything from mackerel to sea bass, crab to lobster daily to ensure that the Griffin always has the freshest locally sourced sea food.

“Being situated right on the seafront in Dale, our customers love seeing the catch coming in off the boat, and then it being served to them a few hours later.

“You can’t get much fresher than that.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.