Calls for Sark to establish its own customs port
There are calls for Sark to create its own customs port facility in a bid to boost trade and visitor numbers to the islands.It comes as Guernsey's Home Affairs Committee has brought forward amendments to customs rules bringing them under a legal framework.Under existing rules, it is an offence to land goods or passengers anywhere other than Guernsey Ports, unless an administrative exemption is given by Guernsey Ports.Major Christopher Beaumont, Seigneur of Sark, said the legal amendment raised the issue of whether the island should self-fund its own "point of entry to the common travel area".
He said the island could "fit into the Bailiwick system" like Alderney, which already had its own customs port."We need some facilities, IT infrastructure and people who can operate and conduct the business, but if that's done I see no reason why we can't," Beaumont said."We have an awful lot of people in the French coast who would like to see the island; the food is fantastic, the goods are fantastic and it's only 20 miles away."
'More flexibility'
Guernsey States said some touring boats already had an administrative exemption allowing them to land in Sark or Herm without going to Guernsey Ports for customs checks first.It said tightening existing provisions would mean the Border Agency could legally prosecute unauthorised travel within the Bailiwick.Deputy Rob Prow, president of the Committee for Home Affairs, said the new policy "will not change current practices but ensure that concessions will be authorised lawfully, rather than administratively"."We also anticipate this will likely give more flexibility to private vessel arrivals, subject to certain conditions and restrictions," he said.Paul Armorgie, marketing director of Sark's Stocks Hotel, said a new customs facility would benefit the island.He said: "In addition to passengers, to be able to import produce from the continent would be a real benefit."At the moment, if we buy a French or Spanish product it's shipped to the UK then Guernsey."
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They also serve loaded fries with toppings like pulled pork, Welsh rarebit, and fresh seafood. Ffwrn Named after the Welsh word for oven, Ffwrn is a one-of-a-kind spot in a beautifully converted 1930s church hall. With its mix of vintage and industrial curiosities, lush greenery, open-plan space, and cooking centred around a roaring Fire, it's a must-visit dining spot in Pembrokeshire. On the menu? Crisp wood-fired pizzas, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Pair with local ales, hand-picked wines or a cheeky cocktail. Ffwrn isn't just about great food—it's also a buzzing event venue that hosts live performances and themed events. The Royal Oak Royal Oak Inn, Fishguard (Image: Wales Online ) For a cosy, atmospheric dinner, The Royal Oak is frankly unbeatable. This pub is where the surrender treaty was signed after the 1797 French invasion and it still holds its historic charm today. 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JT at the Abergwaun Hotel JT at the Abergwaun Hotel is a must-visit spot (Image: Portia Jones ) The restaurant at The Abergwaun Hotel offers a contemporary twist on European cuisine, celebrating the finest Welsh produce. Expect carefully crafted dishes that balance bold flavours with fresh, local ingredients. Typical starters include crispy teriyaki pork belly with a zingy yuzu ponzu dressing or sticky king prawn bao buns packed with marinated cucumber and a punchy lime dressing. Mains are just as impressive, expect perfectly cooked Welsh ribeye, fillet steak with house chips, a rich peppercorn sauce, or teriyaki-glazed salmon with fennel-roasted new potatoes and charred broccoli. Vegetarians will also be well-served, with dishes like the spring vegetable medley featuring crispy nut bites, halloumi, and a fresh herb sauce. Late night drinks and ents The Ship Inn If you're not ready to call it a night, head to The Ship Inn for a proper old-school pub experience. Tucked away in Lower Town, Fishguard, right by the mouth of the River Gwaun, The Ship Inn is a popular alehouse with roots stretching back to the late 18th century and is brimming with character, sea-faring tales, and a cracking selection of real ales. Inside, walls are decked with old maritime photos, maps, and quirky memorabilia, adding to its wonderfully unspoiled charm. It's a Free House and a proud feature in the Good Beer Guide, so you know you're in for a top-notch pint. Theatre Gwaun If you're looking for an offbeat venue, Theatre Gwaun is a community-run theatre and cinema that offers indie films, live performances, and occasional comedy nights. It's an unexpected but fantastic way to round off the evening. Stay at the Abergwaun Hotel The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star. (Image: The Abergwaun Hotel ) The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star. Once a derelict building that stood empty for a decade, local couple Dan and Lois, who both have a background in high-end hospitality, gave it a new lease on life in 2020. The result? A stylish, contemporary 4-star hotel with five luxury en-suite rooms, a two-bedroom apartment, and a restaurant that's putting Fishguard on the foodie map. The rooms are bright and airy, with simple, elegant décor that uses neutral tones and soft textures. They are where minimalism meets comfort—nothing too fussy, just a relaxing space to crash after a day of eating and epic coastal walks. One of the rooms is even dog-friendly, so your adventure-loving pup doesn't have to miss out. When the hotel appeared on Channel 4's Four in a Bed in 2024, the visiting contestants praised the spotless rooms and cloud-like beds. One guest flopped onto the mattress and declared, "It's like lying on a cloud", while another couple admitted: 'This is going to be hard to beat.' Dan and Lois, owners of the Abergwaun Hotel in Fishguard. The couple and the hotel featured in an episode of Four in a Bed. (Image: Channel 4 ) The Real Star: The Food While the rooms are lovely, the real reason to stay here is the food. The hotel's restaurant, JT at The Abergwaun, is run by co-owner Dan, a chef who turns local ingredients into bold, inventive dishes. Here you'll find European flavours with a Pembrokeshire twist, all served in a laid-back, intimate setting. The menu changes with the seasons, and the quality is consistently high, whether you opt for the full-tasting menu or simply stop by for a well-crafted cocktail. The restaurant has received a Good Food Award for Gastro Pubs (Gold Seal) and is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the best places to eat in this part of Wales. Article continues below If you need proof, look no further than the reactions on Four in a Bed. Confident in his breakfast skills, Dan served up a morning feast that left one guest saying: 'I've eaten in restaurants all over the world, and that's probably one of the best breakfasts I've ever had.' High praise, indeed.
