Business
Cressell Quay pub named the best in Wales
THE Cresselley Arms in Cressell Quay, Pembrokeshire, has been named as one of the top 17 pubs in the UK as part of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) prestigious Pub of the Year competition.
CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2024 competition is hotting up ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, with the announcement of this year’s finalists from the UK’s nations and regions.
The Cresselley Arms in Cressell Quay has been named as the best pub in Wales.
Situated on the Cresswell River, stepping into this Grade II listed hostelry is like stepping back in time. Dating back to the 1880s, the Victorian public bar has changed little over the centuries. The homely farm kitchen interior is of national historic interest, with a red and black quarry-tiled floor, roaring open cast-iron fireplace, Victorian-era counter and bar-back shelves held up by slender columns.
Accessible by boat from the Milford Haven estuary at high tide and a short drive from Tenby, the pub also lies on a series of interesting walking routes, making it a popular destination for hikers. The Cresselly Arms is a haven for locals and tourists alike, staging community events and collaborating with local food outlets, while serving four excellent cask beers.
A total of 17 fantastic pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area. Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.
The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September. CAMRA’s esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub. The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.
Last year’s UK National Pub of the Year winner was the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire, which won the crown consecutively in both 2023 and 2022.
The recognition of pubs and their place in our communities has never been more important, as the announcement of the top 17 pubs come hot on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the demolition of the iconic Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire.
The total destruction of this beloved establishment sent shockwaves across the nation, putting a spotlight on unlawful demolitions and conversions of pubs.
CAMRA continues to fight for stronger planning protections for pubs in Wales, calling on the Welsh Government to require planning permission to be granted before a pub can be converted into another use or demolished so that communities can have a chance to save their local if developers are trying to get rid of it against their wishes.
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: “These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.
“It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade.”
Business
Beer and pub industry supports 44,000 jobs in Wales – but jobs ‘could be at risk’
WALES’ beer and pub sector supports 44,000 jobs but urgently needs the upcoming Budget to help it so it can keep people in work, the trade body has warned.
These figures demonstrate that people around the country depend upon the industry to keep them in work and put money in their pockets, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.
But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.
Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It says the industry needs the Budget to help it continue to invest in business and people and remain a home away from home in communities across the country.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “Our brewers and pubs are helping people around the country earn money, gain skills and experience, and support both the local and national economy.
“From those pulling pints to the farmers growing the hops, so many rely on our treasured beer and pub sector for their livelihoods and careers.
“But for the job market to flourish – and for us to keep supporting those jobs – it’s vital our sector is given the support it needs to continue.
“We are urging the Government protect the Great British brewing and pub sector – the beating heart of our communities – to ensure it can remain a driving force for growth, jobs, investment and social value whilst keeping the price of a pint affordable for all.”
The BBPA is calling on the Government to use the upcoming Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief so that pubs and brewers can keep people in work and support more jobs.
A 5% cut in beer duty in the upcoming Budget would result in up to 12,000 additional jobs across the UK, mainly in pubs. This is due to the dynamic effects of increased prices at the bar reducing demand from consumers, who are sensitive to costs rising. Decreased demand for drinks in pubs leads to closures and job losses so keeping the price of a pint affordable will allow the sector to thrive and employ even more people.
The industry is facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging taxes and a potential beer garden smoking ban.
The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.
The BBPA warns any additional price increases, on top of the inflationary pressures of the last few years, would tip many beer and pub businesses over the edge.
Business
Council denies responsibility for The Range store’s snub of Haverfordwest
THIS week Pembrokeshire County Council has refuted claims circulating on social media that it was responsible for The Range’s decision not to open a store in the former Wilko unit in Haverfordwest.
The rumors, which gained traction on Facebook this week, suggested that the discount retailer pulled out due to issues related to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park.
A council spokesperson addressed the situation, on Wednesday (Sept 18) telling The Herald: “There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that The Range decided not to take on the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest due to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park. The Council is unaware of where this rumour has come from.”
This statement comes in response to a flurry of social media activity, where several residents expressed their disappointment and frustration. One user, Stephen Hughes, sparked conversation with a post claiming, “Range wanted to go to Wilko and the council refused free parking at Haverfordwest absolutely shocking.” The post received multiple comments, reflecting the growing frustration among the community.
Chris Wilson said: “The council seemed determined to wreck Haverfordwest,” while Julie McIntosh added, “OMG we will never have them now.”
These sentiments echo a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of the Haverfordwest town centre.
The council, however, has made it clear that The Range’s decision was independent of any car parking policies. “While The Range ultimately decided not to proceed, the Council is currently in detailed discussions with a prospective tenant for the unit and very much hope to have the building brought back into use as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.
The speculation on social media highlights the ongoing concerns about the town’s retail prospects and the council’s role in facilitating or hindering economic development.
Recent reports indicate that The Range is expanding in the UK, with five new branches opening by Christmas in locations such as Walkden, Cwmbran, Leamington Spa, Chelmsford, and Oswestry.
Additionally, The Range’s parent company, CDS Superstores, has announced plans to reopen up to 300 Wilko stores after acquiring the brand, with five concept stores expected to open by Christmas 2024
Despite Haverfordwest now being off the list, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the prospective tenant will bring a new chapter to Haverfordwest’s retail scene.
Business
Recruitment drive for Ledwood as company looks to fill 40 roles
A PEMBROKE DOCK-based engineering, fabrication and construction company is recruiting with up to 40 role available.
Ledwood has launched the recruitment drive as it prepares to scale-up the delivery of key projects throughout the UK.
All required for client projects in the energy production and processing industries are welders, mechanical fitters, pipe fitters, riggers and platers.
Schemes include South Hook and Valero in Pembroke Dock, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, the Fawley TAR turnaround project in Southampton and the VINCI joint venture (EVT) project at Isle of Grain in Kent.
Nick Revell, managing director of Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, said: “With an extensive fabrication facility at Pembroke Dock, we deliver complex engineering projects throughout the UK. Unprecedented demand means that we now have vacancies for both qualified personnel and those looking for apprenticeships. We hope these opportunities will be of interest to those seeking new careers, particularly given the demise of Tata Steel in Port Talbot, and would also like to hear from anyone looking for an apprenticeship.”
Ledwood specialises in the delivery of complex projects in the process and energy sectors.
-
Health4 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health4 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime7 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime1 day ago
Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest
-
Community2 days ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Education7 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime6 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime4 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images