News

Locals celebrated in Pembrokeshire Produce Awards

Published

8 years ago

August 19, 2016

THIS YEAR’S annual Pembrokeshire Produce Mark Awards has seen four local businesses congratulated for their food’s exceptional quality.

On Wednesday (Aug 17), awards were presented to a gourmet pub, artisan butchery, sustainable restaurant and a microbrewery. The ceremony took place in the Food Hall at the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Show, Withybush, Haverfordwest.

The awards were announced by Cllr Tony Brinsden, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Pembrokeshire Produce Scheme has over 300 members, who are verified to ensure that the product they use or sell is made in Pembrokeshire.

The scheme is home to craftspeople and artists, food and drink producers, retail outlets which sell locally-made items, and hospitality establishments which use Pembrokeshire food and drink in their menus.

The ‘Best Use of Local Produce in a Hospitality Outlet’ category has seen two winners this year: Grub Kitchen, St Davids, and the Griffin Inn, Dale.

Grub Kitchen at St Davids, known for serving up dishes involving insects (referred to as entomophagy) is a leader at promoting sustainable local produce. Grub Kitchen is run by chef Andy Holcroft and is situated on The Bug Farm, a working farm visitor attraction and research centre in St Davids that supplies the k itchen with most of its produce, including Welsh Lamb, Welsh Black Beef and a variety of vegetables.

The Bug Farm is even due to house its own edible insects soon.

Despite not even being open for a year, Grub Kitchen has achieved Landmarc 100 status for rural innovation, and has also won the Social Entrepreneur Award from UnLtd, who provide support for social entrepreneurs.

Andy has developed a wonderful range of ‘best of’ dishes, with edible insects taking centre-stage on the menu.

Commenting on the importance of entomophagy, Andy said: “We’re all about sustainability at Grub Kitchen. It is widely estimated there will be between nine to 10 billion humans by the year 2050 and edible insects will help provide us with protein.

“We want to turn entomophagy from a novelty to normalcy and we can do all of that here in Pembrokeshire.”

Sian Mathias and Simon Vickers run the Griffin Inn at Dale, a traditional seaside pub that has become locally famous in recent years for its fantastic seafood and fresh fish.

In the Welsh Tourism Awards 2015, the Griffin Inn won silver in the ‘Best Place to Eat’ pub category, and also won ‘Best Seafood Establishment in Wales’ in the Food Awards Wales 2016.

When the couple moved to Dale six years ago (Sian’s previous hometown, where Simon spent many childhood holidays), owning a pub wasn’t an ambition at all. When the Griffin Inn became available, however, the pair couldn’t resist snapping it up and taking over their own seaside pub.

Thanks to the delicious seafood provided daily by fisherman Mark Gainfort in their own fishing boat, ‘The Griffin Girl’, the pub has become a staple as a welcoming food-lover destination.

Simon said the feedback had been fantastic. “People say they’ve been have been looking for somewhere like this for years. It’s just gone from strength to strength.”

Tenby Brewing Co. Ltd. have won the ‘Best New Product’ award.

Owners Rob Faulkner and James Beaven spent most of their lives in the bar and pub industry, both abroad and in the UK.

Bored and frustrated with the UK beer industry’s range of largely bland ales and tasteless lagers, the pair decided it was time to start brewing something more exciting.

At the end of March last year, they sold their first bottle of beer.

James said: “After eight months of planning, and many late nights reading and hounding other microbrewers, hop merchants and industry boffins for information, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to purchase Preseli Brewery since the owner was retiring.”

Rob also commented: “Our mission is to brew interesting and full flavour beers using the best quality ingredients leaving as little impact on the environment as possible.”

Their variety of interesting beers include West Coast Rocks (‘WC Rocks’ being a term used by local kite surfers) and the Pembrokeshire Promise – ‘full of character yet light and easy drinking’.

The beers are stocked in parts of England and throughout North and South Wales.

Gwaun Valley Meats were the winners of ‘Best Online Marketing of Pembrokeshire Produce’.

William and Tina Evans had already operated the Pembrokeshire Spit Roast business for a number of years, but they decided to start up Gwaun Valley Meats, a small family-run butchers firm, in 2003.

The couple have won numerous awards since opening their butcher’s shop in Letterston in 2006, including a ‘True Taste of Wales’ reserve for their Gwaun Valley cooked ham and the ‘Great Taste: Best Welsh Speciality’ for their home-cured back bacon.

To expand further, towards the end of 2015 they developed an improved website offering a next-day delivery service of all their products across mainland Britain. The website, supported by a grant from Cywain, has seen a significant boost in their number of online customers.

Willliam said: “We’ve had orders from all over the country, including Cardiff, London and Scotland. It’s also been very successful in letting people know about our shop here if they are intending to come on holiday in Pembrokeshire, and to order more products from us when they return home.”

The new website was designed and developed by Leighton Phillips of Graphicwave, with photographs by Derek Phillips Photography.

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards

Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/