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North Wales Live
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'My memories of Theatr Clwyd in Mold and hopes for the future'
My first visit to Theatr Clwyd was as a primary school pupil experiencing live theatre for the first time. I was blown away that we had such a facility in Flintshire, writes Jack Sargeant, now Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. When I visited in a hard hat back in January, the main theatre was nearing completion and excitement for the coming months was building. So it was fantastic to be back again last weekend, standing outside the transformed building watching representatives of the 300 local community groups who meet in the theatre perform and celebrating with them the £50m redevelopment of a north Wales cultural institution. What I enjoyed most was everyone there had a story about what the theatre means to them. The full re-opening of the building is happening gradually. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The curtains have raised and fallen on the first in-house production for the new-look theatre, and the unveiling of the restaurant and bar (in partnership with Welsh chef Bryn Williams) will happen over the next few weeks. But it's already impossible not to be impressed by renowned architects' Haworth Tompkins' redesign that makes the most of the theatre's hilltop setting. Since being appointed Culture Minister, I have stressed that every person in Wales should have the right to access, create, participate in, and see themselves reflected in the cultural activity of our nation. This is what Theatr Clwyd has always delivered and our investment will only build on this legacy. What struck me on Saturday was the variety and diversity of the groups who call this building home. The community members attending were aged between nine and 95 and represented a fraction of the 6,840 people with whom the theatre's creative engagement team work every year. On completion the redeveloped building will see more beneficiaries from this outstanding programme with dedicated spaces for increased referral work with NHS, Social Services, housing associations and local refugee charities. There will also be increased facilities for heart Clwyd Music Trust through whom over 3,000 pupils every week, across 74 schools in Flintshire, are learning to play a musical instrument. This is important to Theatr Clwyd, and it's important to me and to the Welsh Government, which is why we've invested over £26m to secure the future of this flagship national arts venue whose doors are wide open to the local community. It's vital that young people are given a gateway to culture from an early age. As I said earlier, for me - and thousands of fellow North Walians - Theatr Clwyd was our first introduction to live theatre. I also remember how proud I felt as an eight-year-old going with my Ysgol Bryn Deva classmates to watch our own film (about a missing guinea pig) being screened in the theatre to celebrate Welsh Cinema Day. Once work is complete, Theatr Clwyd will be a sustainable building: completely fossil fuel and gas free and able to harvest solar energy and rainwater from its external walls and roofs. It is also going to help sustain the local creative workforce, creating a minimum of 100 additional permanent jobs and tripling its economic contribution to north-east Wales (estimated to reach over £20 million per year following the redevelopment). I haven't even begun to talk about the extra training and apprenticeship opportunities for the tourism, hospitality and theatre sectors. We should be proud of the top tier arts venue we have on our doorstep. Proud, and expectant. Because the new look Theatr Clwyd will be the setting for first-time cultural experiences, community action and world-class productions for generations to come.
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Actor Rhys Ifans helps celebrate theatre redevelopment
The transformation, designed by architects Haworth Tompkins, includes £26.5 million of Welsh Government funding. The economic impact of the redevelopment is estimated to be more than £20 million per year. This is almost triple the theatre's previous economic contribution and is expected to created more than 100 additional permanent jobs. The building in Mold, which remained largely open as work progressed, houses two theatres, a development studio for professional artists, a cinema, a new bar and restaurant (with Michelin-starred chef Bryn Williams), an arts and health suite and a youth hub. It aims to be complete this autumn. The community-led celebration event marked the first phase of the theatre's full reopening. Members of 300 local groups were invited to tour the venue and take part in a special performance. Culture, skills and social partnership minister Jack Sargeant said: 'Our investment has delivered a world class facility and created sustainable employment as well as supporting the next generation of skilled professionals, by giving opportunities for apprentices." Liam Evans-Ford, executive director of Theatr Clwyd, said: 'We are extremely proud of our work at Theatr Clwyd, from the high-quality theatre making and music education, to the referral partnerships and focused delivery with and for communities. "This event offers a moment to celebrate the first phase of our opening, and to thank partners such as the Welsh Government. Governments funding arts and culture is deeply important, and this is a significant statement that Welsh Government recognise the work and impact of our work at Theatr Clwyd.' The Welsh Government has increased day-to-day spend on heritage, arts and culture by 8.5 per cent this year.
Rhyl Journal
28-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Coleg Llandrillo hosts annual Achievers' Awards Ceremony
She was one of 20 further education students recognised for outstanding performance across subject areas at the 2024/25 Achievers' Awards. Paul Flanagan, principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said: "Like many of our Access students, this learner has been on an incredible academic journey. Paul Flanagan, principal of Coleg Llandrillo, speaking at the event (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) "Originally joining the course to become a paramedic, this learner's growing confidence and academic success have inspired a new ambition – to pursue a career in medicine, a path once thought out of reach. "We are incredibly proud that this learner has been accepted to study Foundation Medicine at the University of Liverpool. "We wish them every success in their studies and in achieving their goal of becoming a doctor in the NHS." Bryn Williams, celebrity chef and Coleg Llandrillo alumnus who spoke about his own journey (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) The ceremony featured an address from Bryn Williams, the celebrity chef and Coleg Llandrillo alumnus, who spoke about his own journey from student to internationally recognised chef. Students are nominated for the awards by lecturers, with each winner selected by their department head and presented with a trophy during the evening. Among this year's winners was Charlotte Smith, who won the A-level Achiever of the Year award. All 2024/25 Achievers' Award winners (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) Ms Smith has earned top grades while volunteering at hospitals and working 16 hours a week in a care home. Other notable winners included Heather Wynne, a Level 3 Hairdressing student who reached the WorldSkills UK national finals and secured a place on the Calligraphy Cut Scholarship, all while running a business and raising two children. Garmon Edwards-Jones, a Level 3 Sport student, was commended for his coaching work with students with profound learning difficulties and is on track to achieve a triple Distinction. The ceremony also honoured students who won medals in Skills Competition Wales and those who represented Wales in sport. Aled Jones-Griffith, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai chief executive, speaking at the ceremony (Image: Coleg Llandrillo) Aled Jones-Griffith, chief executive officer of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: "Those of you who have won awards tonight can be very proud to have been nominated among so many other students. Full list of winners: Overall Achiever of the Year / Access to HE: Isla Middleton Skills for Life and Work: Ryan Wilson A-levels: Charlotte Smith Art and Design: Jodie Roberts Business: Lily Scott-Jones Childcare: Morgan Gavin Computing: Osian Gerallt Construction: Kieran Taylor-Morgan Engineering: Zack Arnold Hair and Beauty: Heather Wynne Health and Social Care: Emily Hatton-Hunter Hospitality and Catering: Isaac Williams Media: Finlay Jones Motor Vehicle: Rhys Whitmore Music and Performing Arts: Reuben Neary Public Services: Liam Parson Sport: Garmon Edwards-Jones Travel and Tourism: Ellie Safhill Adult Community Learning: Ann Lynchill Welsh-Language Student of the Year: Bethan James
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Wales Online
Beachfront restaurant in Wales named in UK top 100 list
Beachfront restaurant in Wales named in UK top 100 list The list is generated from over 800,000 reviews from verified OpenTable diners and dining metrics Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias (Image: ) A Welsh restaurant has landed a spot on the UK's top 100 list for outdoor dining, thanks to its stellar reviews. Booking platform OpenTable has just unveiled their 2025 roundup, featuring a Welsh gem among the best spots for al fresco meals. The latest rankings draw from over 800,000 verified diner reviews and various dining metrics collected between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. To make the grade, restaurants needed a substantial number of diner reviews and were assessed based on a range of data points. These included diner ratings, the proportion of five-star feedback, alert settings, advance reservation percentages, seating capacity utilisation, and direct search frequency. After crunching the numbers for an overall score, only those with outdoor dining facilities were shortlisted. Making the prestigious list is Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, helmed by the celebrated TV chef and nestled beside the picturesque sandy shores of Colwyn Bay. Boasting an outdoor terrace, the restaurant offers diners a quasi-maritime experience, complemented by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. With a commendable 4.7 out of 5 rating on OpenTable, amassed from nearly 4,000 reviews, the venue is a hit among patrons, reports North Wales Live. Its huge expansive windows offer a great spot to watch the sunset (Image: Daily Post Wales ) Article continues below For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Recent testimonials heap praise on the establishment, with one diner exclaiming: "Beautiful location- what a view. Endless sandy beaches and blue sky." Another review echoes this saying: "A wonderful meal in a beautiful setting." Article continues below OpenTable described the establishment with praise: "This big open space with its easy, informal mood has an open kitchen where Bryn's team of chefs turn simple, local, seasonal ingredients into extraordinary bistro-style food. "Menus are served all day by interesting people who really understand food, and there are no rules, so you can do what you like: tuck into breakfast, graze over small plates at the bar, share a Sunday feast with family, watch the sun go down with friends. Good times with good people, and no distance between you and the beach."
North Wales Chronicle
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
I had breakfast at one of the North Wales restaurants people love the most
The restaurant, ideally situated on Colwyn Bay's seafront, regularly features in lists of the top places to eat in Wales and the UK. Most recently it was named in the OpenTable top 100 places in the UK for outdoor dining, a list compiled from customer reviews. TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. On OpenTable, the Porth Eirias restaurant has a 4.7 (out of 5) rating with nearly 4,000 reviews. I was aware of Bryn Williams having followed his career. Bryn, a former Coleg Llandrillo student originally from Denbigh, has gone on to have incredible success after he appeared on the Great British Menu in 2006. Williams worked for Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche in Mayfair between 1999 and 2003, starting out as a demi chef he honed his craft and graduated to sous chef before becoming Chef Patron of his very first restaurant, Odette's in 2008. As he opened more restaurants, as well as marrying Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri, it was only a matter of time before he returned home to North Wales when he launched Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay in 2015. TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. And it was there I found myself on a Sunday morning as Colwyn Bay was gearing up to celebrate Pride. OpenTable describes Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias thus: "This big open space with its easy, informal mood has an open kitchen where Bryn's team of chefs turn simple, local, seasonal ingredients into extraordinary bistro-style food. Menus are served all day by interesting people who really understand food, and there are no rules, so you can do what you like: tuck into breakfast, graze over small plates at the bar, share a Sunday feast with family, watch the sun go down with friends. Good times with good people, and no distance between you and the beach." The space is very impressive, classy decor, lots of natural light from the large windows with spectacular views of the sand and sea, and an open kitchen where the dishes are prepared. TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. Seafood takes centre stage on the menu from prawns, cod to mussels, but the breakfast menu is more traditional yet equally tantalising. It was a busy day; I was one of the first customers to arrive but there were only a couple of tables unreserved. I would definitely recommend making a booking if you plan to eat there. Despite this, the ambiance was chilled, and the staff were friendly and attentive. And, for some reason, dressed in a combo of white shirts and denim, a look that brought to mind George Michael in the 80s. I know you can't go wrong with a traditional cooked breakfast, and I am certain the one served at Porth Eirias is top notch. However, I was in the mood for something different and opted for the muesli, soaked oats, yogurt, and apple, as well as Eggs Royale. The muesli with soaked oats was delightful. The flavours and textures of a dessert while your mind can be tricked into thinking you've gone for the healthy option. The yoghurt gave a delicious tang while the fruit delivered a chewy sweetness that gave the dish substance. TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. Next was Eggs Royale, essentially Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon in place of ham. This dish, again, was excellent. It must be said that the price is double what you would pay in Wetherspoons for a similar dish. But the word similar is doing a lot of heavy lifting in the previous sentence; if you want something familiar, yet prepared with the best ingredients and utmost skill, then this is a treat worth splashing out on. Not to mention that the location, with stunning views of the coastline, that, on a sunny day, are worth every penny. TASTE TEST: Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias. I am a recent convert to poached eggs and these were the best I have had, with thick, luxurious yolks that combined with the rich Hollandaise. With the silky smoked salmon delivering saltiness and texture to the mix, this was a dish that, while humble, felt indulgent. I will be returning to Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias as I think I've only scratched the surface of what is on offer. It would be nice to try the restaurants famous seafood and other specialities like afternoon tea, and the Porth Eirias fish pie for two sounds delightful if anyone would like to join me.
