Author: Rhys Gregory

After months of meticulous planning and design work, Giggling Squid Cardiff is almost open for business. The new flagship restaurant is Giggling Squid’s first venture into Wales and will feature bright and colourful décor, bold floral wallpaper and, of course, a tantalising Thai menu. Officially due to open on Monday 12th June, Giggling Squid Cardiff will find its home at Cardiff’s biggest shopping centre, St David’s Centre. The new restaurant will be able to seat almost 200 guests at one time, offering soft banquet seating and cosy dining spaces for two – perfect for any occasion. As well as an…

One of Wales’ leading work-based learning companies has celebrated the achievements of apprentices from across the country at its Apprenticeship Graduation Awards ceremony.  Sixty apprentices received their graduation scrolls in their cap and gowns at the ceremony organised by Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells. The graduates included Patrick Rixson, 24, head chef at Bank Farm Leisure, Horton, Gower, who qualified as an engineer before deciding to focus on his passion for cooking, having been inspired by his mum. Patrick began washing pots in the kitchen at his local pub, The Ship Inn in…

The first phase of a new housing development in Llanbradach is now complete, with all homes now occupied by their new residents. Not-for-profit housing organisation United Welsh worked with Caerphilly Council and M&J Cosgrove Ltd to build phase one of Wingfield Crescent, turning unused land into a site of 30 high-quality, affordable homes. 26 of the homes were for affordable rent, allocated to people on the Caerphilly Council Common Housing Register. Four homes were sold through Harmoni Homes, United Welsh’s brand for helping first-time buyers and people wanting to own a home again to get onto the housing ladder. Peter…

Fuel and lubricants distributor Certas Energy has expanded its presence in the renewable energy sector with the acquisition of a business based in North Wales. Corporate finance firm Cleveland Scott has advised Hafod Renewable Energy on its sale to Warrington-based Certas Energy. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Hafod is the second major investment made by Certas Energy in the last six months to grow its renewable solutions offering. In late 2022, the company acquired Preston-based Freedom Heat Pumps, a distributor of air source and ground source heat pump equipment. Hafod, which was founded in 2010 by…

Eight years since its creation – and just over three years after it was last relocated – Cardiff’s biggest independent warehouse events venue has completed its move to a new, bigger site. As of this week, The DEPOT, who have established themselves as one of the best-loved entertainment brands in the city, has moved to a new 30,000 sq ft venue on Curran Road. The venue now forms part of developer Vastint’s transformative, mixed-use development scheme which when complete, will strengthen connections between Cardiff City Centre and the bay along the banks of the River Taff. With the move and…

Aberystwyth academics’ contribution to mapping the biomass of the world’s forests for the European Space Agency (ESA) are helping efforts towards tackling climate change. Expanding and restoring forests presents an opportunity for countries to remove carbon from the atmosphere and contribute to national efforts towards achieving net zero, as well as multiple other mitigation benefits. The latest version of the above ground biomass dataset, which uses satellite observations and was developed by scientists working as part of the Climate Change Initiative, makes it possible for the first time to robustly monitor changes in forest cover and carbon stock. Previous maps…

THE rapid growth of a micro-herbs business led to expansion and a place in the finals of a prestigious food and drink competition. Despite launching less than three years ago from a living room in Old Colwyn, Fresh and Tasty (FT) Microgreens is already a leading producer and supplier to customers in North Wales. Owner Steve Holland began growing a handful of varieties during the Coronavirus pandemic, delivering to the community and later cafes, restaurants, and shops, including Tatws Trading in Llandudno, Natural Choice in Rhos on Sea, Health and Food, Llanrwst, and The Grate Cheese Deli, Colwyn Bay. A…

OVER 130 teachers and education practitioners from across Wales joined the British Council at Cardiff City Stadium yesterday (Tuesday, 23 May) to learn more about Community Focused Schools. The conference, which concentrated on three areas – multi-agency partnerships, parental and family engagement, and links with the community, aimed to share best practices and innovative approaches in building strong partnerships between schools, families, and their local community. One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to learn from Community School experts from the United States, where over the last 20 years, they have successfully transformed educational institutions into hubs…

With just days to go until the foodie favourite that is the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival which will take place across this Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (May 28-29th), site plans are well underway to make sure this is an event not to be missed this year. With something to suit all diets, ages and interests – moreish meats, vegan varieties, curries, cheeses, chutneys; scrumptious ciders, great gins, sweet treats and so much more at the main Arthur John site, the Old Hall Cowbridge Gardens will also have so much for visitors to enjoy. A full site in itself but…

The Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University has announced her decision to retire at the end of the year. Professor Elizabeth Treasure will leave the University earlier than planned following ongoing medical treatment. Professor Treasure was appointed Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth in 2017. Since then, she has led on academic developments such as nursing education at the University for the first time, and the opening of Wales’ only School of Veterinary Science. While implementing plans to ensure financial sustainability, Professor Treasure also led projects to revamp some of the institution’s iconic buildings such as Neuadd Pantycelyn halls of residence, and the ongoing Old…