Latest news with #MediaWales
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Award-winning restaurant to close as owner makes heartfelt admission
Award-winning restaurant to close as owner makes heartfelt admission Award-winning chef Deri Reed has announced that The Warren will be closing in September The Warren will be closing after almost a decade of serving up sustainable and organic food in Carmarthen (Image: Media Wales) A beloved restaurant/café in the heart of Carmarthen has announced it will be closing next month after nearly a decade of serving food to the community. The Warren, a multi-award winning establishment, was set up in 2016 by chef Deri Reed after the community helped to get the pipedream off the ground thanks to a crowdfunding campaign. The Warren, situated in Mansel Street, was celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and the community, with ethical sourcing and local produce placed at the heart of what Deri wanted to prioritise. As well as becoming a firm favourite in the town, the restaurant achieved national recognition, with regular listings in The Good Food Guide since 2019, being named as one of the Top 100 Best Local Restaurants in Britain this year. Deri issued a statement on social media on Saturday (August 16) to tell The Warren's loyal following the news, admitting that running the local eatery "hasn't been working for me for some time". He added that he hopes this isn't the end of The Warren and will be "exploring" what it could look like in the future. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Deri Reed won Chef of the Year at the Food Made Good awards in 2019 (Image: Media Wales) Article continues below The post read: "It's taken me a long time to write this announcement, as it's something I've been putting off for too long. For those of you who know me well, you'll know how much weight I've carried in running The Warren. "Behind the front, there's a man doing his best to keep afloat a business built on strong human and environmental ethics, while also trying to look after himself, his relationships, his home and his community. The truth is, it hasn't been working for me for some time. "So, from Sunday, September 21 after service, The Warren will be going into hibernation for a little while, giving me space to pause, reflect, and work out what the next steps in this journey might be. "I don't see this as an ending. I imagine a future where this space is alive with new collaborations, where community food projects have a home here, and where The Warren continues to make noise from the streets of Carmarthen. With the support of some brilliant people and organisations, I'll be exploring what that could look like. "In the meantime, our team is ready to give you the best of what we've got over the next five weeks. So please do come in, enjoy a meal with us, use any vouchers you've been holding onto, and help us celebrate the wonderful achievements we've made together so far." Deri, who won Chef of the Year at the Food Made Good awards in 2019, is also a part of Cegin Hedyn, a community kitchen and canteen, in Camarthen. The passion project for the chef opened in 2022 and serves plant-based, canteen-style lunches guided by a 'pay what you can' philsophy. Like the meals served at The Warren, Cegin Hedyn's food is made using fresh, organic, and seasonal produce, with s some ingredients being in their community allotments. Deri's announcement of The Warren's closure was met with an outpouring of support on the restaurant's Facebook page. One person said: "Thanks for all you have done for Carmarthen Deri and all the support you gave! Good luck with the future!" Another commented: "Good luck Deri and to all the staff, hopefully this isn't the end of one of our favourite restaurants." A third person added: "I was saddened to read this today, Deri. You (and your team) have worked so very hard. I know how many hours you have had to put in..... But, your own health and wellbeing must come first. With very best wishes for your next venture." Article continues below
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Burglar addicted to drugs since age of 11 broke into house and stole car
Burglar addicted to drugs since age of 11 broke into house and stole car Brian McCann, 41, and an accomplice burgled a family home and took car keys before taking a Mercedes car and dumping it nearby (Image: Media Wales) A serial burglar who became addicted to drugs at 11 years old broke into a family's home and took car keys before stealing a Mercedes vehicle which was later dumped. He and another man broke into another car and took house keys inside an envelope. Brian McCann, 41, and an accomplice broke into a car parked in a street in Bridgend and took an envelope which contained a key. They then went to a nearby property where several items were taken including a Mercedes which was driven away by the burglars. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard the car was parked in a nearby street and the defendant and the other man returned three hours later to see if it was still there. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter. Prosecutor Tabitha Walker said a woman returned to her home at 3.45am and realised the Mercedes car was missing. She found her front door was unlocked and open and when she went into the house she noticed several items had been thrown into the front garden. Her husband came down the stairs and asked him where the Mercedes had gone but he was confused. Article continues below She looked at a shelf and noticed the keys to the Mercedes had been taken as well as keys to a BMW and house keys. The police were called and the victims' son realised his school bag, which contained his Apple AirPods, had been taken. Using a feature on the AirPods police were able to track the item to an address in Coity Road. At 9.30am the owner of the car that was broken into saw items inside the vehicle had been moved and saw the envelope in next door's front garden but the key was missing. The defendant was identified from CCTV footage and he was arrested at his home. McCann, of Tremgarth, Wildmill, later pleaded guilty to burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and theft from a motor vehicle. The court heard he has 48 previous convictions for 92 offences including offences of burglary. In a victim personal statement read by Ms Walker the victim of the house burglary said: "Nothing is the same anymore. "I feel unsafe in my own home, especially with my son, and I'm scared to leave him on his own. My son has been crying a lot and wants to move to a different home... "I feel unsafe. I've never had anything like this happen to me before and I thought my home was a safe place but I no longer feel this way. "I have to keep the lights on all night... I'm worried someone will come back to my home and take my vehicles. I am disgusted someone has done this to me in my own home." In mitigation Abigail Jackson said her client has health issues and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The barrister said the defendant had been addicted to drugs since he was 11 years old and he had been involved in crime for the majority of his life. Article continues below Ms Jackson said her client had become sober from drugs and alcohol in 2015 but relapsed after he discovered his best friend had taken his own life. Judge Simon Mills sentenced McCann to a total of three years imprisonment.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I was struck by collapsing metal fence at UK beach amusement park – all I could hear was children screaming
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM says she was hit by a collapsing metal fence while enjoying a day out at an amusement park with her two young children. Single mum Megan Cavanagh had taken her kids to the Coney Beach funfair in Porthcawl, Wales, on Wednesday but it ended in a terrifying ordeal. 5 Megan Cavanagh, 24, claims the fence fell straight on top of her Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 5 Pictures show adults helping children off the ride after it 'derailed' Credit: Wales News Service 5 13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries in the accident Credit: Wales News Service The single mother had arrived at the seaside funfair around 5pm on August 13, hoping to enjoy the rides and attractions with her young children and some family friends. However, not long into their visit Megan had to step away from the park after her young autistic daughter became unsettled by the loud noises. After a brief time away she re-joined her group near the Wacky Worm ride – a rollercoaster described as "the perfect first thrill ride for the kids". "I was just minding my own business," Megan said. 'I was standing with my back to the ride, talking to my friends, when it happened. It was all so sudden. 'We just heard this massive bang and children started screaming.' According to Megan the metal fence separating the ride from spectators collapsed unexpectedly – falling on top of her. 'The fence fell straight on top of me, hitting my back,' she said. 'I managed to push my friend's pram out of the way, which was right next to me. "I pushed the fence off myself and when I looked up all I could see were kids on the ride screaming.' Terrifying moment Scots carnival ride 'flies off track' with kids inside Megan added: "Parents were jumping on trying to get their kids off – it was awful. "I'm just grateful I took my daughter away earlier because otherwise we would have been on that ride too.' Megan said she was checked by staff and advised to attend hospital if the pain continued but chose to return home, citing a lack of childcare and describing the pain at the time as 'just aches'. South Wales Police later confirmed that 13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries, with some sent to hospital for further treatment. Megan added: 'I'm planning to go to the doctor. I struggled to sleep last night from the pain so I am going to see how I feel. 'None of this is what you'd expect from what is supposed to be a family trip out.' In a statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park said previously it was instructed by police to clear the site after an incident on a "third-party ride" not owned by the park. It apologised for the disruption and said it will provide refunds to affected customers as soon as possible. A statement added: "Due to an incident on a third-party ride not owned by Coney Beach, we were instructed by the police to clear the site for further investigation. "We apologise for the disruption and will be providing refunds to affected guests as soon as possible. We will be releasing instructions on refunds shortly. "We thank you for your cooperation." The Sun Online has contacted the amusement park for an update. 5 One of the cars on the ride appeared to be suspended in the air, off the tracks Credit: Media Wales
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was struck by collapsing metal fence at UK beach amusement park – all I could hear was children screaming
Megan Cavanagh says she heard the screams from the children on the ride THEME PARK HORROR I was struck by collapsing metal fence at UK beach amusement park – all I could hear was children screaming A MUM says she was hit by a collapsing metal fence while enjoying a day out at an amusement park with her two young children. Single mum Megan Cavanagh had taken her kids to the Coney Beach funfair in Porthcawl, Wales, on Wednesday but it ended in a terrifying ordeal. 5 Megan Cavanagh, 24, claims the fence fell straight on top of her Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 5 Pictures show adults helping children off the ride after it 'derailed' Credit: Wales News Service Advertisement 5 13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries in the accident Credit: Wales News Service The single mother had arrived at the seaside funfair around 5pm on August 13, hoping to enjoy the rides and attractions with her young children and some family friends. However, not long into their visit Megan had to step away from the park after her young autistic daughter became unsettled by the loud noises. After a brief time away she re-joined her group near the Wacky Worm ride – a rollercoaster described as "the perfect first thrill ride for the kids". Advertisement "I was just minding my own business," Megan said. 'I was standing with my back to the ride, talking to my friends, when it happened. It was all so sudden. 'We just heard this massive bang and children started screaming.' According to Megan the metal fence separating the ride from spectators collapsed unexpectedly – falling on top of her. Advertisement 'The fence fell straight on top of me, hitting my back,' she said. 'I managed to push my friend's pram out of the way, which was right next to me. "I pushed the fence off myself and when I looked up all I could see were kids on the ride screaming.' Terrifying moment Scots carnival ride 'flies off track' with kids inside Megan added: "Parents were jumping on trying to get their kids off – it was awful. "I'm just grateful I took my daughter away earlier because otherwise we would have been on that ride too.' Advertisement Megan said she was checked by staff and advised to attend hospital if the pain continued but chose to return home, citing a lack of childcare and describing the pain at the time as 'just aches'. South Wales Police later confirmed that 13 children and one adult sustained minor injuries, with some sent to hospital for further treatment. Megan added: 'I'm planning to go to the doctor. I struggled to sleep last night from the pain so I am going to see how I feel. 'None of this is what you'd expect from what is supposed to be a family trip out.' In a statement, Coney Beach Pleasure Park said previously it was instructed by police to clear the site after an incident on a "third-party ride" not owned by the park. Advertisement It apologised for the disruption and said it will provide refunds to affected customers as soon as possible. A statement added: "Due to an incident on a third-party ride not owned by Coney Beach, we were instructed by the police to clear the site for further investigation. "We apologise for the disruption and will be providing refunds to affected guests as soon as possible. We will be releasing instructions on refunds shortly. "We thank you for your cooperation." The Sun Online has contacted the amusement park for an update. Advertisement 5 One of the cars on the ride appeared to be suspended in the air, off the tracks Credit: Media Wales
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Wales Online
Railway journey in Wales named among best attractions in the world
Railway journey in Wales named among best attractions in the world The Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales continues to wow passengers with its 'incredible views' and the service provided by staff and volunteers All aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A stunning Welsh railway journey has been named among the world's best tourist attractions. The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has just received global recognition by being officially been named in the top 10% of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. The awards are based entirely on reviews and ratings submitted by visitors on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period. The journey itself starts at Aberystwyth and takes you deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, reaching its destination at one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the whole of Wales, Devil's Bridge, which is actually three bridges, built on top of each other, standing high above the rushing Mynach and Rheidol streams. The railway itself has been operating for 123 years having first opened in 1902 when it was built to serve local communities and to transport goods including lead and timber. However, today it has forged a reputation as one of the most scenic railway journeys anywhere for people of all ages to enjoy, as we at Wales Online found out last year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Some of the views are simply breathtaking (Image: Media Wales) The line itself only measures around 12 miles and it takes roughly an hour to reach Devil's Bridge, where you can enjoy a snack or a nice meal and a pint at the Hafod Hotel, which has a seating area overlooking the majestic valley below. You can then enjoy two walks: a short walk underneath the bridges which provides an opportunity to get up-close to the rushing water, and a longer and more difficult stroll deep down into the Rheidol gorge where you can enjoy views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls. Article continues below The Travellers' Choice Awards are based on verified feedback and only a select number of experiences earn such recognition each year. Your destination at Devil's Bridge (Image: Media Wales) 'Being recognised by the people who travel with us is what means the most,' said Llyr ap Iolo, general manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway. 'Whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth, we aim to make the experience special every time. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers, and we are proud to share it with them.' The Vale of Rheidol Railway has an incredibly high rating on Tripadvisor - 4.6 out of five based on almost 1,400 reviews. One passenger said he was 'absolutely amazed at how good it is', while another said it was a 'lovely experience with incredible views'. The railway also offers Polar Express rides in the build up to Christmas (Image: Angharad Bache) Article continues below One recent reviewer wrote: 'Absolutely wonderful experience on this railway. We paid a little extra to travel first class and it was well worth it. Travelling in a 1920s cabin was so nostalgic and humbling. The station was immaculate in every way. Even the WCs were immensely clean. The pride the staff took in every aspect of the train itself was clear to see - even the chimney on the engine was gleaming.' Another wrote: 'A brilliant afternoon spent on this quaint steam train. From start to finish, spectacular views. Devil'ls Bridge was excellent along with the Devil's Punch bowl. The museum entry which comes with the train tickets was very good. A must do activity if you're in Aberystwyth.'
