News

Fishguard chef does the county proud

Published

8 years ago

June 21, 2018

A CHEF from Fishguard has this week competed in the semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year awards, the UK’s most prestigious culinary contest.

Daniel Jones, head chef at JT at 3 Main Street, Fishguard competed in the third heat of four at Le Cordon Bleu in London in Tuesday (Jun 19).

Speaking to the Herald after the heat, Daniel said: “The heat went really really well, it’s the first time we have been in the competition and we have done ourselves proud. There are a lot of really good chefs and we are the only Welsh restaurant in the competition.”

In their heat, Daniel cooked a vegetarian starter, followed by a lamb main course and a modern interpretation of a floating island for their desert.

The judges commented on the Pembrokeshire produce and were also impressed with the story behind each of the dishes.

Daniel added: “It is unbelievable to be in the semi-final as our restaurant has only been going for six months. We don’t have any extra chefs so my partner has assisted me so it has been a great experience for us.

“The amount of equipment being used by some of the other chefs is crazy, some have come with thousands of pounds worth of equipment.

“It would mean everything to be in the final, it is a serious competition. We haven’t even thought that far ahead, it is just amazing to be included in the semi-finals.”

Unfortunately, Daniel was not selected to go on to the final but it has still been an excellent occasion for the Fishguard chef.

Gary Jones, executive chef from Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons and chair of the judges, said: “Some of the cooking has been exceptional which made it a challenge for the judges to whittle 40 chefs down to just ten.

“What really stood out for me was how much the finalists listened to the brief this year and focused on the sourcing of their ingredients, considered seasonality when planning their menus, as well as showcasing their creativity and innovation. It’s set to be one of our most exciting finals yet and I can’t wait to judge it in October.”

Craft Guild of Chefs vice-president David Mulcahy added: “It wasn’t an easy brief this year with a vegetarian starter thrown into the mix and a very classic dessert brought in to truly test each chef’s culinary skills. However, the semi-finalists really embraced the challenge when putting together their menus. We saw a real variety of menus and this showed the diverse range of chefs we had from all sectors of hospitality.”

The final will take place at the Restaurant Show on Tuesday, October 2, with judges including Tom Kerridge, Clare Smyth, Philip Howard, Ollie Dabbous and Mark Flanagan.

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

51 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

54 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair