Latest news with #BethanyGavaghan
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
This is why huge tents have appeared in a popular Cardiff park
This is why huge tents have appeared in a popular Cardiff park You can really get a feel for how the space is going to change if you've been to the area recently The Padel tennis centre is really coming into shape in Llandaff fields (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) A cutting-edge sports hub, featuring a tennis centre, padel courts, café, and community space, is set to grace one of Cardiff's largest and most frequented parks, and recent pictures have shown it is coming along nicely. The existing tennis courts are already open and are in use, and the rest of the development also looks to be coming along well, with lots of work evident - and although there is no date confirmed for when it will be opening, it's easy to get a feel for what the space will be like if you have visited Llandaff Fields in Cardiff and seen the site recently. Work is underway and several white structures have been put up. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here . Another exciting development for the space is that a brand new sandwich shop, Square + Fair, soon to launch in Cardiff's Royal Arcade selling loaded focaccia sandwiches and freshly roasted Welsh coffee has also announced that it is opening a second location in Llandaff Fields later in the summer. Announcing the development back in 2023, Cardiff Council said that the site will "transform" the communal sports amenities at Llandaff Fields. The Padel centre being installed in Llandaff fields, Cardiff (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Once completed, the Padel Tennis centre, contemporary café, and community space - which will also be opened will join the existing tennis courts which are getting resurfaced. The plans also outlined the creation of a tennis facility accessible to all demographics and skill levels as well as cricket practice nets. An artist's impression of what the site will look like once it is completed. (Image: Cardiff Council ) Article continues below Padel Tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK - and blends elements of squash and tennis, is played on enclosed courts without overarm serves.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Wales Online
I went to Britain's 'smallest town' and I couldn't believe how cool it was
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys is surrounded by hills and gorgeous open countryside, but what I didn't know when passing through it until I saw the sign was that it's also the 'smallest town in Britain'. Around 850 people live there, making it the smallest town in Wales by population - with some people claiming that also makes it the smallest in the UK, even though Forwich in Kent also has a claim to be the smallest. Everything in Llanwrtyd Wells revolves around a short high street with the river Irfon running through the middle, but what I loved most is that it's a complete paradise for pastel coloured houses. Every road features gorgeous pastel shaded buildings which was a stunning surprise and a few brightly coloured homes also dotted around as well, but until visiting I had no idea what it looked like or what to expect. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here (Image: Bethany Gavaghan) Wandering around, there's an old stone bridge which seems to link up both sides of town for cars and pedestrian and there are plenty of benches beside it which I could imagine being the go-to spots if you were a local and wanted somewhere to stop and chat or sit with a takeaway coffee. It's also in no way touristy, which I actually love, as it definitely feels like it's shaped by the people who live here - so even though it's notably quiet- you can say you've officially visited the smallest town in Britain without marching your way through a sea of selfie takers if you're heading there. The pace feels steady and visitors blend in with locals easily, as anyone I saw seemed super friendly and content to be there. It definitely feels like somewhere where people have quite a strong connection with the outdoors as it's positioned right next to all you could want when it comes to country walks. (Image: Bethany Gavaghan) I was staying at the amazing Victoria Wells Motel site up the road which was genuinely like nowhere I've ever been before (but that's a story for another day), and the open countryside up there, close to the town is also just to die for, so it's totally worth the walk down the river until you reach the open fields. On the path I went down, which leads along the river, I didn't see another soul for the entire walk. Even just after a brief wander around I was intrigued to learn more after visiting Llanwrtyd, and found out it's known for its odd annual events from bog snorkelling in August, the mountain bike chariot racing, and the man vs horse marathon in June. The Heritage and Arts Centre is small and open most days. It covers the town's history from its time as a Victorian spa resort to the arrival of their railway line. Almost everywhere you go, you're met with incredible long views across the valley, but it's not just nature which is on your doorstep. If you're keen to head out for a bite to eat, The Neuadd Arms Hotel is one of the older buildings, with a bar, rooms upstairs, and a small brewery on site. It's also apparently where a lot of the town's events are organised. (Image: Bethany Gavaghan) Coffee wise, you've also got Caffi Sosban is a café on the high street that serves hot meals, cakes, and drinks - I was really eyeing this up and it's on the list to pop in one day as it looks like the perfect place with a mix of cute and cosy vibes which I always crave after a long walk. The Drovers Rest is another place to eat or have a drink and is slightly quieter and is set just beside the river. There's even a bike hire place (Llanwtyd Wheels) that caters to the many cyclists who pass through, so all things considered - what's not to love? Have you visited Llanwrtyd Wells? Let us know what you made of it in the comments section below.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Viral London burger chain famous for 'smicken fries' to open first Welsh venue
Viral London burger chain famous for 'smicken fries' to open first Welsh venue The viral burger chain which has soared in popularity in the UK is opening its first ever Welsh branch Work has already begun on their brand new site, located in Cardiff's Wood Street (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Viral hamburger chain Smacks is going to be opening its first store in Wales - and work has already begun on their brand new site, located in Cardiff on Wood Street. There is currently signage advertising the burger chain's arrival in the unit between Black Sheep Coffee and Burger King, and is in a prime spot for commuters, being so close to Cardiff Central station. Announcing their arrival to the city, they describe the chain describes itself as a 'viral trending brand' which has gathered over 23.6 million 'organic views' on social media on their signs outside. No date has been confirmed yet, but the chain has shared that it is 'coming soon' on the signs placed around the building where work is already being carried out to prepare for their launch. So what can you eat there? They are known for offering a range of freshly made beef and chicken burgers, as well as a veggie patty option and various other alternatives, which look insane judging by their menu. Smacks will open up just next to Black Sheep Coffee (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Their classic cheeseburger is a go-to for a lot of people according to TikTok but the Big Smack which is stacked with four beef patties is also a popular option and for chicken lovers, there's also the spicy chicken burger and the 'Smicken' (fried chicken drenched in house hot sauce). Article continues below More inventive options include The Don, which layers spicy chicken with Angus beef, and a rich brisket burger made with slow-cooked meat. Sides aren't an afterthought as they also do loaded fries which come piled with beef, cheese sauce and crispy onions, while the Smicken fries give chicken fans something to get excited about. They also do breakfast, with egg muffins, bagels and more available for an early start, and they also offer a number of saver meals as well as a kids menu, and also a range of desserts and milkshakes. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Smacks Hamburgers started out in South London, with its first location opening in Thornton Heath in 2021. The idea behind it was to offer fresh, quality fast food like burgers made from freshly ground Angus beef and daily-prepared fried chicken and the brand quickly gained attention, thanks to a lot of social media buzz on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The company itself was officially registered in 2020, and since then, Smacks has expanded to other areas, including places in England like Preston, Brighton and Southport, Article continues below According to the Smacks Hamburgers website, they will soon be launching in the USA, and have also just opened up their first Scottish branch in Glasgow. The chain is also growing through dark kitchens and delivery services, making it easier for people to try their food even if there's no physical location nearby.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
New sandwich shop roclaiming to open in Cardiff city centre but there's one big problem
New sandwich shop roclaiming to open in Cardiff city centre but there's one big problem Square + Fair will be opening in Cardiff's Royal Arcade in June as well as opening a second location in Pontcanna Square + Fair is opening opposite Fresh, which almost has a queue of customers eagerly waiting outside in Cardiff's Royal Arcade (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) New sandwich shop Square + Fair will be opening in Cardiff's Royal Arcade next month, yet it might be seen as a bold move by some people as it's going to be located right opposite the ever-popular lunch time hotspot, Fresh the Baguette Bar which has been running for 26 years and has previously been named in the top 10% places to eat in the world by TripAdvisor. The brand new shop will be offering loaded focaccia sandwiches and freshly roasted Welsh coffee and is due to open its doors on Monday, June 2, with the team already drumming up excitement across social media. But that's not all, as they have also already announced a second location in Llandaff Fields later in the summer. Their debut spot is directly opposite Fresh which is rarely seen without a queue snaking out the the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Announcing their arrival with a playful post on Instagram, they wrote: 'We can't foc-ing wait to see you! Something delicious is coming your way… and trust us, you're going to want a bite of this! 'Very soon, Square + Fair will be serving up next-level gourmet focaccia sandwiches, packed with fresh, flavourful ingredients and stacked high with goodness. Oh, and did we mention the freshly brewed coffee? 'Stay tuned for our official opening date!' Article continues below The new business is already advertising their first location, positioned opposite one of Cardiff's most popular small businesses as 'your new favourite lunch spot' (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) The menu is expected to focus on artisan-style, generously filled focaccias alongside a strong coffee offering, using beans roasted in Wales. It's a different lane from Fresh, famous for their baguettes and number of eye-popping and creative fillings and salads, you can read more about their story, here and why it's so many's favourite place to get lunch, here. Content cannot be displayed without consent Despite not having opened their first site yet, the Square + Fair team has already announced a second location. Sharing the news on a separate Instagram post, they wrote: 'We know… we haven't even opened our first site in Royal Arcade yet (June 2nd… get it in your diary), but we're too excited not to share this: 'Square + Fair is officially growing, Site No. 2 is on its way, and it's landing in the stunning Llandaff Fields. 'I have been meeting the developers today at site. We're teaming up with the incredible crew at Smash Padel, who are building a state-of-the-art padel tennis club at the back of the park, and we'll be right there with them, serving up our giant filled focaccias, fair trade coffee, and laid-back park vibes to players and the public alike. 'It's going to be special. Launching Summer 2025.' Article continues below Where's your favourite spot to grab a bite to eat at lunch time in Cardiff? Let us know in the comments below.
