Business

Wales’ favourite seaweed-spiced rum now available in Tesco nationwide

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2024

WELSH pirate-inspired rum maker Barti Rum welcomes a brand-new partnership with Tesco as it unveils two new products, its spiced rum, and Cream Liqueur drink to stores nationwide.

The two beverages have hit shelves, exclusively, as of September 16 and are the first Barti Rum products to appear in mainstream supermarkets.

Both the spiced rum and cream liqueur are packaged in a sustainable model, being made from 50% recycled glass with the label being made from fully biodegradable cane sugar byproducts.

Brewed with the culture of the Pembrokeshire at the heart of it, the silky smooth and elegant taste is married together with the infusion of wild hand-picked laver seaweed from the Pembrokeshire coast, having umami undertones which further soften and enrich the taste at 35% alcohol.

Managing Director, Fran Barnikel said: “We understand the importance of history and tradition and we instil this into every bottle we brew.

“Our rum is the perfect marriage between Caribbean distilling and Welsh flavour.

“With this new spiced rum, we are able to bring the Pembrokeshire flavour reaches every corner of the country and we can’t thank Tesco enough for being a part of this.”

The Barti bottle label displays a traditional Welsh ship on top of waves, alluding to the historic past of the name ‘Barti.’

Barti’s Cream Liqueur is a plant-based drink that provides a creamy full-bodied taste combined with vanilla, clove, cinnamon and hint of orange. The drink is a great choice for vegans and those that enjoy lactose free diets.

The cream liqueur is also Barti’s most awarded beverage having won seven awards at the World Drinks Awards some of which being “Best in Country”, “Best New Launch” and “Best Bottle Design”.

The Barti name goes back to the 17th century when a young man named John ‘Barti Ddu’ Roberts from the small village of Casnewydd Bach, Pembrokeshire, took to the seas with the hopes of making a name for himself in the British Royal Navy.

Where John searched for fame, he in fact found infamy when he was captured by pirates and forced to become a part of the crew.

The Barti beverage listings are the latest milestones from owner and creator of Barti Rum drinks, Jonathan Williams.

Since leaving his day job 14 years ago, Jonathan has created various business using his home county of Pembrokeshire as influence and inspiration.

He created and has run the successful café Mor at Pembrokeshire at Freshwater West for the past 14 years along with the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company for 12. Here he won gold at the British Street Awards and has catered at major events such as the Olympic Village and Glastonbury.

Tesco Wales buyer Nathan Edwards expressed his excitement about the new launch and is certain that it will go down well with shoppers.

“We are enormously proud to be the first retailers to have Barti Rum drinks on its shelves.

“The Barti Rum drinks are synonymous with enjoyment and fun in Wales, and we are happy to be a part of their journey in bringing the Pembrokeshire flavour and culture to the whole of Wales.

“I am proud that we have landed the exclusive launch, and I look forward to an ongoing partnership with this company that is so rich in history.”

Barti Spiced Rum is the latest new Welsh product to be launched by Tesco in Wales, with the supermarket’s Wales-based buying team planning further product launches this year to further expand its industry-leading range of Welsh products in stores.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

14 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

15 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):