Author: Rhys Gregory

You do not think about a carpet until a splash of coffee or a muddy boot print calls attention to it. When that happens, many people reach straight for a stiff brush, yet a handful of good habits will prevent fibre damage and cut cleaning time in half. Before you decide whether to vacuum, blot, or deep clean, it is worth understanding the basics of carpet cleaning in London and the soot-laden city dust that settles between the tufts. The tips below focus on what homeowners can safely do themselves and when to bring in a professional. Regular Vacuuming Routine…

Wales is home to some of the most charming rural communities in Britain, each with its own distinct character and lesser-known hospitality treasures. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire coast lie villages and small towns where authentic Welsh welcome still thrives in unexpected places. These lesser-known finds offer visitors a genuine taste of Welsh culture without the crowds. The rural Welsh hospitality scene has changed quietly over recent years, blending traditional values with contemporary touches. Family-run inns, converted farmhouses and community-owned pubs form the backbone of these local experiences. What makes these establishments special isn’t lavish…

A man from Barry who locked a woman inside an address before raping her has been jailed. Kenneth Crane, 43, left his victim feeling suicidal following months of abuse between September, 2024, and April, 2025. On one occasion he locked his victim inside an address and demanded seeing messages on her phone. The next morning, he forced her to perform oral sex on him and raped her. On another occasion, he grabbed a kitchen knife and held it to his victim’s face, threatening to harm her if she did not give him her phone. He threw a cup of coffee…

South Wales Police are at the scene of a serious collision on the A470 southbound between Pentrebach roundabout and Nelson roundabout. The road has been closed and is expected to remain shut for some time while emergency services deal with the incident. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and use other routes if possible. Police have thanked the public for their patience while the closure is in place.

TGI Fridays used to be one of those places that felt like an event. Growing up in Cardiff, a visit to the Newport Road restaurant was a real treat. It was where we went for birthdays, family get togethers and even my 21st. When St David’s 2 arrived in 2009, it became the new home of those celebrations. Over the years though, as Cardiff’s food scene grew, our visits slowly stopped. It wasn’t out of dislike, more that new places opened and stole the spotlight. Then last year came the closures. Newport, Swansea and the original Newport Road site all…

Cooking more than 600 meals for people who need a hot dinner and a chat is all in a week’s work for Matthew’s House in Swansea. It is home to Matt’s Café which is open three times a week providing a choice of meals to all -comers, whatever their situation, and is part of the Matthew’s House project, an initiative of The Hill Church Swansea Charity, in the city’s High Street. Now Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE has donated £1000 to buy a large freezer to help store food supplied by supermarkets, local businesses, charities and individuals. The Community Fund gives targeted support…

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has unveiled a pioneering new welfare and wildfire vehicle – the first of its kind in the UK. Built and designed in Wales utilising a Mercedes lorry supplied by Euro commercials Cardiff, the vehicles have been custom-built by local body company Neath Coach Builders (and emergency warning systems installed by Elite of Bridgend) to meet the unique demands of prolonged emergency operations. Designed to transport the Service’s wildfire response – Can-Am 6×6 all-terrain vehicles – the fleet of four are the result of a collaboration between Fleet, the Wildfire Group and Operational Risk…

Welsh food and drink producers have triumphed at two prestigious competitions, showcasing the outstanding quality and craftsmanship that make Welsh produce among the best in the world. The Welsh Vineyards Association (WVA) recently hosted their Welsh Wine Awards 2025 at Llanerch Vineyard, bringing together nearly 60 wines from across Wales. The judging panel, led by renowned wine expert Oz Clarke, praised the confidence and character of Welsh wines, comparing their rise to some of the world’s most admired new regions. Champion Wine of Wales was awarded to Gwinllan Llaethliw in Ceredigion, who also secured titles for Best Overall Sparkling Wine,…

‘Flamebaster’ is back for a new series on S4C, and this time Chris Roberts will be in Japan to get a taste of the country’s cuisine. In Llond Bol o Japan, he’ll meet some of the country’s top chefs and people from Wales who have fallen in love with the place. The three-part series will air from 9 December at 21.00 on S4C and the entire series will be available to stream on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from the same date. Chris’s journey begins in Fukuoka on Japan’s most southerly island, where he meets social media star and sushi…

The former Treorchy Hotel, recently run as The Flamingo Cabaret Bar, is for sale through South Wales based Paul Fosh Auctions. The property is listed with a guide price of £165,000. James Holingsworth, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The former Treorchy Hotel, on a corner plot at 165, Bute Street in the town, with two main function rooms together with a couple of smaller seating areas and bar areas, could be a  wonderful investment opportunity. “The upper floors of the premises, which was run for a while as the Flamingo Cabaret Bar, provides residential accommodation including three bedrooms, a kitchen…