Latest news with #HannahByrne
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Customers 'gutted' as owners of popular pub named one of UK's best set to walk away
One of Monmouthshire's most popular pubs is up for sale — sparking a wave of sadness from loyal customers. The people behind The Black Bear, known for its acclaimed food and warm welcome, have announced plans to sell the business, citing a desire for a lifestyle change to better suit the owners' young family. The announcement came as a shock to many in the local community and further afield, given the pub's soaring success and reputation. Run by husband-and-wife team, Josh and Hannah Byrne, since 2018, the cosy village inn has quietly become one of the very best in Wales. With head chef Chris Halbert in the kitchen, the couple have steered The Black Bear to the top of the country's dining scene, collecting a string of prestigious awards along the way. READ MORE: 'Oakwood wasn't just a theme park — it was a rite of passage and I plan to re-open it' READ MORE: Hotel to re-open after four years as temporary accommodation That growing acclaim reached new heights earlier this year, when the pub made headlines for being ranked 24th in the 2025 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs; an achievement that also made it the only Welsh pub on the coveted list. This isn't the first time The Black Bear has gained national recognition. In fact, the 2025 Estrella Damm ranking marks its fourth consecutive appearance on the prestigious Top 50 list. Since 2022, the pub has also earned a place in the Michelin Guide, while receiving a score of six in the Good Food Guide, further cementing its reputation as a standout destination for serious food lovers. Despite the sad news, the team have reassured customers that nothing is changing just yet. In a statement shared on social media, the owners stressed they were "not selling in a hurry" and expected the sale process to take at least a year, if not longer. "Seven years of support from our fantastic customers, along with a lot of hard work from us and our team, has created a healthy business," they wrote. "Until our very last day trading — whenever that may be — it will be normal service at The Black Bear." The post emphasised the pride the team took in what they'd built and their commitment to maintaining standards throughout the transition. "Notwithstanding the financial imperative to do so, we all take an enormous amount of pride in what we do and would never operate in any other way." Following the announcement, an automated email confirmed the pub was taking a short break but would re-open for business on Wednesday, May 21. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Black Bear Inn (@theblackbearusk) The news has been met with an emotional response from customers, many of whom have followed the pub's journey since it opened. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here One regular wrote: "It was such a breath of fresh air when you guys opened. A high sigh of relief that Monmouthshire had somewhere decent to eat with a clear vision and ethos. I hope we aren't losing your culinary skills and hospitality forever. Will be sure to come by before you close. You'll be missed." Another added: "Gutted to hear this. Where to go for date night now?! Best food by miles – but so important to do what's right for you guys. You, your food, ethos and ambience will be hugely missed xx.' A third disappointed patron said: "We have loved your food, service and welcome. It coincided with our move here and you will be very much missed when you move on – but we wish you the very, very best for whatever comes next for you!'
South Wales Guardian
13-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Greek authorities delay inquest into death of British police officer in Kavos
Hannah Byrne, 22, had been out on the first night of her holiday in Corfu when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres on 1 September 2023. The 22-year-old, who served as a constable with Surrey Police's neighbourhood policing team in Reigate, had opted to stay out while her colleague returned to their hotel. Greek authorities believed her fatal injuries sustained outside a bar were compatible with an 'accidental' fall. However, they were also investigating whether Ms Byrne had unwittingly drunk alcohol laced with methanol. On Tuesday, West Sussex Area Coroner Joseph Turner adjourned Ms Byrne's inquest, which was originally opened on 18 September 2023, for another six months. 'We are still awaiting information and material from the Greek authorities,' coroner's officer Anna Soczewka told the court in Horsham. Ms Byrne was found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby the morning after her fall. Her family and friends will now have to wait until 18 November this year for her case to next be heard at West Sussex Coroners Court. Shortly after her death, her family said: 'Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life. 'She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.'
The Independent
13-05-2025
- The Independent
Inquest into British police officer's death on Greek holiday island delayed
The family of a young policewoman who was found dead on a Greek holiday island in 2023 faces at least another six-month wait for answers after an inquest into her death was delayed. Hannah Byrne, 22, who served as a constable with Surrey Police 's neighbourhood policing team in Reigate, was on the first night of her holiday in Corfu when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres in September 2023. She was found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby the morning after her fall. Greek authorities believed her fatal injuries sustained outside a bar were compatible with an 'accidental' fall. However, they were also investigating whether Ms Byrne had unwittingly drunk alcohol laced with methanol. On Tuesday, West Sussex Area Coroner Joseph Turner adjourned Ms Byrne's inquest, which was originally opened on September 18, 2023, for another six months. 'We are still awaiting information and material from the Greek authorities,' coroner's officer Anna Soczewka told the court in Horsham. Her family and friends will now have to wait until November 18 for her case to be heard at West Sussex Coroners Court. Shortly after her death, her family said: 'Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life. 'She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.' At the time, Chief Superintendent Chris Colley, Divisional Commander for East Surrey, said: 'Hannah's death has been a shock for everyone who knew her. She was a bright, enthusiastic and respected officer just at the start of her career in policing and she will be sadly missed. As a Force, we are now doing everything we can to support her family and her colleagues at this extremely difficult time.' The Greek town has long been a favourite amongst British tourists, with around half a million usually travelling to Corfu each year.
Western Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Greek authorities delay inquest into death of British police officer in Kavos
Hannah Byrne, 22, had been out on the first night of her holiday in Corfu when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres on 1 September 2023. The 22-year-old, who served as a constable with Surrey Police's neighbourhood policing team in Reigate, had opted to stay out while her colleague returned to their hotel. Greek authorities believed her fatal injuries sustained outside a bar were compatible with an 'accidental' fall. However, they were also investigating whether Ms Byrne had unwittingly drunk alcohol laced with methanol. Pc Hannah Byrne was based at Reigate as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (Surrey Police/PA) On Tuesday, West Sussex Area Coroner Joseph Turner adjourned Ms Byrne's inquest, which was originally opened on 18 September 2023, for another six months. 'We are still awaiting information and material from the Greek authorities,' coroner's officer Anna Soczewka told the court in Horsham. Ms Byrne was found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby the morning after her fall. Her family and friends will now have to wait until 18 November this year for her case to next be heard at West Sussex Coroners Court. Shortly after her death, her family said: 'Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life. 'She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.'
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Greek authorities delay inquest into death of British police officer in Kavos
Hannah Byrne, 22, had been out on the first night of her holiday in Corfu when she suffered a fatal head injury after falling several metres on 1 September 2023. The 22-year-old, who served as a constable with Surrey Police's neighbourhood policing team in Reigate, had opted to stay out while her colleague returned to their hotel. Greek authorities believed her fatal injuries sustained outside a bar were compatible with an 'accidental' fall. However, they were also investigating whether Ms Byrne had unwittingly drunk alcohol laced with methanol. Pc Hannah Byrne was based at Reigate as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (Surrey Police/PA) On Tuesday, West Sussex Area Coroner Joseph Turner adjourned Ms Byrne's inquest, which was originally opened on 18 September 2023, for another six months. 'We are still awaiting information and material from the Greek authorities,' coroner's officer Anna Soczewka told the court in Horsham. Ms Byrne was found dead on the side of a main road by a passerby the morning after her fall. Her family and friends will now have to wait until 18 November this year for her case to next be heard at West Sussex Coroners Court. Shortly after her death, her family said: 'Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life. 'She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.'
