Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff’s own Gorse has been crowned Wales Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards 2025, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by chef Tom Waters, has become a standout name in Welsh dining, celebrated for its modern approach and strong commitment to local produce. It was a successful night for Wales overall. Gareth Ward of Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms in Eglwys Fach was named Chefs’ Chef of the Year and also collected the Wine Award for Wales. Meanwhile, St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire was recognised as Wales Hotel of the…

The development agency for Welsh film has funded five film festivals and an independent cinema sharing global stories with local communities, and opened a new round of their Film Exhibitor Funding. With National Lottery funding delegated by the Arts Council of Wales, Ffilm Cymru Wales provides support to independent film exhibitors to entertain and inspire people throughout the nation with a greater choice of films. As part of the organisation’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and sustainability, their Film Exhibitor Fund encourages cinemas and film festivals to develop their work in an evolving sector, connecting their local communities through cinema. Last…

Do you fancy living in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in Europe? Well, the chance to enjoy the thrills and excitement of city centre life could be at hand with the sale at auction of an apartment in the heart of Cardiff. The two-bedroom property in the achingly stylish The Grand building on Westgate Street offers stylish city centre living. Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, says Apartment Number Six, places occupiers right at the epicentre of vivacious Cardiff city centre life. The apartment is listed with the South Wales-based auctioneers with a guide price of…

Russell Howard is heading back on tour with his brand-new stand-up show Don’t Tell The Algorithm, which will stop at Swansea Building Society Arena on Saturday 17 October 2026. Following record-breaking, sold-out shows across the globe, the comedian dubbed “one of the world’s top comedians” by The Sunday Times is inviting audiences to enjoy comedy the old-fashioned way: no phones, no distractions, just people and punchlines. Fans will be able to access an exclusive presale from 10am on Wednesday 24 September 2025 by signing up to the Swansea Building Society Arena mailing list before 8am that same day at swansea-arena.co.uk.…

Gower College Swansea has launched a new initiative designed to equip individuals across south west Wales with the in-demand skills needed to meet local needs and help people thrive in today’s workforce. The Skills for the Workplace launch took place at Sketty Hall Business School and coincided with Adult Learners’ Week, making it a fitting opportunity to focus on helping adults retrain and build future skills. Through Swansea Bay City Deal funding, the four south west Wales colleges (Gower College Swansea, NPTC Group of Colleges, Coleg Sir Gar, Pembrokeshire College) and the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership are working together to…

City Hospice’s annual Chair’s Lunch is returning to the Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff on 17 October. The exclusive ‘Leaders & Legends’ event, organised by the charity’s Chair Michael Baker and hosted by ambassador Sian Lloyd, provides the south Wales business community with an opportunity to connect while hearing unique insights from one of Wales’ most celebrated and influential sporting figures. The inaugural Leaders & Legends lunch was held in 2024, the charity’s 40th anniversary year, with special guests Nigel Walker OBE and Sam Warburton OBE. This year Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE will be interviewed by Deborah Thomas, sharing her experiences in…

The Cambrian Railway Partnership has awarded almost £7,000 to community organisations along the Cambrian Line as part of its Railway 200 Community Grant Fund, supporting projects that celebrate heritage, creativity and sustainable travel. Grants have been awarded to a range of imaginative community-led initiatives, including: A sustainable train-themed garden in Caersws designed to honour the work and gardens that Station Masters used to create. The production and screening of a film on Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the pioneering entrepreneur, to form part of a legacy exhibition. A series of Welsh language guided walks along the Cambrian Coast, using the railway as…

The pioneering Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) and Visit Wales have spoken about their shared commitment to developing Mid Wales as a destination that champions responsible tourism, low-carbon innovation and environmental leadership. CAT welcomed the tourism development team from Visit Wales – the Welsh Government’s tourism arm – for an all-staff meeting last week, marking a significant moment in the long-standing partnership between the two organisations. Hosted at CAT’s Visitor Centre near Machynlleth, the visit included a keynote address from CAT co-chief executive Eileen Kinsman. She shared insights into CAT’s pioneering history, its role in environmental education and innovation and…

An organised crime gang who carried out a high-value theft spree across rural Gwynedd and Shropshire have been jailed for a combined total of almost 16 years. At Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday, 15 September, four men from West Mercia were sentenced for their roles in the three-month conspiracy in North Wales. At a separate hearing at Mold Crown Court on September 20th, 2024, four men from West Mercia were also sentenced for handling stolen goods. Members of the organised crime group (OCG) travelled in and out of Tywyn, Dolgellau and Bala, staying at local caravan and camping sites to…

Applications for secondary school places to start in September 2026 are now open, and families are reminded that applying on time and providing five school preferences can increase their chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools. Cardiff Council’s Admissions Team have provided simple step-by-step advice and guidance in the form of 7 tips, to help families who are applying for a school place in Cardiff. The information is available online and through an animation aimed at children and families, helping to explain how the admissions process works and the importance of using all five preferences available.…