Author: Rhys Gregory

Raise your steins, Cardiff, the big Bavarian Feast is back! After a sell-out debut event in 2024, Pasture Restaurant is teaming up with the DEPOT again this October for another night of fire-cooked feasting and Bavarian beers. On Saturday 11th October 2025, the warehouse venue will be transformed. Expect a live Oompah band, hearty Bavarian sharing platters of food served family-style, and an Oktoberfest atmosphere that could give Munich’s liveliest beer halls a run for their money – think long tables, clinking glasses, and more lederhosen than you can shake a schnitzel at. Pasture Restaurants are a celebration of fire-based…

A former Pembrokeshire dairy farmer and his wife have opened a new houseplant centre and botanical-themed coffee shop in Pembroke, supported by a £20,000 Start Up Loan. Husband-and-wife duo Kristian (35) and Beckie Howell (31), both from Pembrokeshire, are behind Vine & Vibe, a new 6,000 sq ft indoor houseplant centre and café designed to bring an inclusive, wellbeing-focused space to the region’s retail and hospitality offering. Housed in a converted commercial greenhouse, the venture is the result of both a personal and entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, Kristian sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury that ended his career in dairy…

The Barclays Business Prosperity Index reveals that despite ongoing global economic challenges and rising energy costs, UK firms are accelerating AI adoption and upskilling their workforce to drive innovation and growth. Analysis of 1m+ Barclays clients shows a picture of resilient but cautious activity amid global uncertainty 42 per cent plan to hire for AI-focused roles, while one in five are already creating new positions dedicated to AI, as firms see potential for the UK to be a world AI leader In a sign of confidence, businesses plan to increase investment by 5.5 per cent over the next 12 months,…

People who live and work in Caerphilly are being called on to offer their views to help planning for future development of the town. On Saturday, September 6, people of all ages are invited to visit Y Banc, on Cardiff Road, and Stockland Square, on Stockland Street, to take part in activities and workshops that will offer the chance to share their thoughts and ideas for Caerphilly. Organised as part of the Festival of Ideas, the event is designed to help Caerphilly Town 2035 officers understand people’s needs and wants as they look to develop the ‘Top of Town’. The…

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens visited Swansea University’s Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) to gain first-hand insight into the groundbreaking work of the National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH). The visit highlighted how simulation and immersive technologies are uniting sport‑tech and health‑tech to advance athletic performance, rehabilitation, and public wellbeing. NISH, supported by Swansea Bay City Deal, NHS Wales and Swansea University, is a unique collaborative network uniting academia, healthcare providers, technology firms, and elite sports organisations. It offers adaptable spaces, specialist support programmes, and events designed to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of sport and…

South Wales Police is urging people to be vigilant after a man from Riverside, Cardiff, was scammed out of thousands of pounds by somebody pretending to be a police officer. The victim, a man in his 80s, had £16,000 stolen on his own doorstep on Wednesday, September 3, after scammers phoned him earlier in the day. The callers claimed to be police officers and instructed him to withdraw the cash, which was then taken by a man who arrived at his home. The suspect was described as being black, with medium-length afro hair, and a beard which was covered by…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after pleading guilty to indecently exposing himself in public. 50-year-old Scott Thomas, from Baglan, flashed his genitals and backside towards passers-by as he walked along Dunraven Street, Aberavon at around 7am on Friday, July 18. Thomas immediately admitted the offence upon arrest. He has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison. He will be required to register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of seven years. PC Rachael Travers said: “Scott Thomas’s actions were completely unacceptable and will have caused alarm to those…

ourism businesses and organisations are invited to the next Denbighshire Tourism Forum, taking place on Wednesday, 15 October at The Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen (10.30am–1.30pm). The Forum offers a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the sector, connect with like-minded businesses, and share experiences. This year’s programme includes a range of expert guest speakers: Gail Swan, Chair of the Taste North East Wales Food and Drink Group Lucy von Weber, Head of Marketing, Visit Wales Head of Service for Tourism, Denbighshire County Council Delegates will also have the chance to browse a variety of information stands from…

 Cardiff Council has revealed it is facing a predicted budget shortfall in 2026/27 of £38.4 million. The council is now working on a budget plan for next year – which could see some services reduced or stopped completely – to bridge the gap. The shortfall arises when the money the council receives from Government, combined with council tax income, isn’t enough to pay for the 700-plus services the council delivers to residents. A report to Cardiff Council’s Cabinet, on Thursday, September 18, outlines the financial pressures the council is currently experiencing due to rising costs and increasing demand for social…

Swansea city centre has taken a major step towards reducing single-use packaging with the launch of the 2GoCup scheme. The 2GoCup initiative equips participating businesses with reusable cups, making it easier for customers to swap out single-use cups for a more sustainable choice. A joint initiative by Swansea Council and Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), 2GoCup will see customers pay a small deposit for a durable, reusable cup, which they can return to any participating business for a refund or for swapping with a fresh cup. The scheme aims to reduce the thousands of single-use coffee cups that are thrown…