Latest news with #PaternosterFarm
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Amazing UK beach is 20 minutes from superb restaurant and 'looks like Barbados'
Barafundle Bay is a semi-remote, east-facing golden sandy cove shrouded by sand dunes and blocked in by cliffs - it might be tricky to reach there, but the views are well worth it Pembrokeshire's beaches are so stunning that it's a task to pick one for a day out while on holiday in the west. However, there's one beach that always stands out, not just for its golden sands but also for its iconic status in Welsh music. Barafundle Bay may lack practical facilities or a trendy cafe serving oat milk flat whites, but what it does have is an enchanting beauty that makes you forget about such amenities for a day. The beach, located on Pembrokeshire's south coast, is semi-remote and features an east-facing golden sandy cove surrounded by sand dunes and enclosed by cliffs. This tranquil oasis is nestled between Stackpole Quay, a small pebble inlet, and Stackpole Head, a breezy outcrop which, if you follow the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path around, will lead you to Broadhaven South, another top-rated beach worth visiting, though it doesn't quite match up to its more compact neighbour. What could be more delightful than a late afternoon spent frolicking in the waves, followed by an evening meal at Wales' Best Local Restaurant 2025? As The Good Food Guide reported, while the beach's remoteness is a selling point for many seeking quiet beauty, its location in the southern part of the county means it's just a quick drive to Wales' top restaurant, Paternoster Farm. After a quick change from your beach attire and a brush-off of the sand, you'll be savouring locally caught oysters and home-reared beef and pork belly from a menu that changes every day, based on what's in season, reports Wales Online. The beach, which inspired Carmarthenshire's psychedelic folk band, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, for their third album release in 1997, Barafundle, is only accessible on foot. However, it's just a short stroll from Stackpole Quay, where you can park your car and grab a flat white before embarking on your journey. The path will lead you across the often breezy cliffs before you reach the beach. Part of the Stackpole Estate, the secluded nature of the bay means it requires a bit of effort to reach, ensuring it won't be as crowded as other beaches in Pembrokeshire. If you're willing to carry your beach gear there (and you absolutely should, as you won't want to leave), it will be well worth it. Most of the time, the sand is occupied by families and friends enjoying the golden sands and crystal blue sea, or keen walkers on the coastal path taking a break to soak up the view. If you choose to park and walk, it's about a 15-minute journey. The descent isn't steep, but it could pose a slight challenge for those with mobility issues. Its proximity to Stackpole makes it a convenient spot for visiting the nearby Bosherton Lily Ponds and the award-winning Stackpole Inn is definitely worth a visit. Being part of the renowned Stackpole Estate, formerly owned by the Cawdor Family who resided in Stackpole Court, the beach features charming stone steps and walls that make for an Instagram-worthy shot. But it's more than just a photo opportunity. The moment you catch sight of the sandy beach stretching out before you through the stone archway, your spirits are instantly lifted and the urge to dash into the sea is irresistible. It's a view you won't easily forget. How to get to Barafundle and where to park You'll need to park at the National Trust-owned Stackpole Quay car park, which forms part of the Stackpole Estate. The postcode for this location is: SA71 5LS. From there, you'll need to climb the steps on your right as you head down towards the shore, and then continue up over the cliffs to reach the beach. Alternatively, you can park at Broadhaven South and follow the coastal path. The postcode for Broad Haven South car park is SA71 5DR.
Western Telegraph
19-07-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Paternoster Farm 'thrilled' at best Welsh restaurant award
Paternoster Farm, located in Hundleton, received the title of Best Local Restaurant in Wales as part of The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2025 list. The guide praised its "authentic, seasonal Welsh cuisine rooted in sustainable farming". Michelle Evans, co-owner of Paternoster Farm, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award from the Good Food Guide. "It's a testament to the hard work of our team, the commitment of our local suppliers, and the loyalty of our guests. "This has been an incredibly emotional time for us. "The support we've received, from local residents, visitors, and people across the UK, has been overwhelming. "We're relieved and grateful to be able to continue growing what we started here." The restaurant operates on a working farm and serves a hyper-seasonal set menu at £58 per person, using ingredients either grown on the farm or sourced from nearby producers. Ms Evans, a former divorce lawyer who launched the restaurant in 2021, has been widely praised for her approach to hospitality. One supporter said: "Michelle cares about every bite you eat and always has time for a chat, no matter how busy the service is." Paternoster Farm is housed in a converted milking shed and has quickly become a celebrated dining destination. It has featured in the Good Food Guide for three consecutive years, received coverage in The Times, and earned endorsements from leading UK chefs. Chloë Hamilton, editor of The Good Food Guide, said: "Great value for money is a big focus of this year's list. "We're celebrating wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing new life into faded seaside towns, and cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." Despite its success, the restaurant recently faced the possibility of closure. In February, Pembrokeshire County Council announced it would not renew the Evans family's farm tenancy. Following public support and discussions with council chief executive Will Bramble, the tenancy was extended until August 2027. In a statement, the Evans family said: "We have had some productive discussions with Will Bramble, chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, and our current tenancy has now been extended until August 2027. "We would, of course, like to stay longer, so still have a long way to go. "A huge thank you for everyone's ongoing support, and kind words, over these last couple of months. "It's been a massive boost." The Good Food Guide, established in 1951, is the UK's longest-running restaurant publication. It now operates as a fully digital platform, featuring 1,400 venues reviewed anonymously by inspectors.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Huge update in the fight to keep one of Wales' top restaurant open
Huge update in the fight to keep one of Wales' top restaurant open Paternoster Farm in Pembrokeshire has been facing eviction despite becoming a destination restaurant and being considered as one of Wales' best Paternoster Farm, a critically acclaimed restaurant based in the village of Hundleton, announced on Instagram yesterday that its tenancy has been extended until August 2027 . (Image: Paternoster Farm ) A top Welsh restaurant facing eviction has secured a temporary reprieve following months of public pressure and calls for transparency from Pembrokeshire County Council. Paternoster Farm, a critically acclaimed restaurant based in the village of Hundleton, announced on Instagram yesterday that its tenancy has been extended until August 2027 after what it described as 'productive discussions' with the council's chief executive. The announcement follows a dispute over the council's decision not to renew the restaurant's lease, which sparked a groundswell of public support from locals and patrons. Founded by former lawyer Michelle Evans, Paternoster Farm opened in 2021 and quickly gained national recognition. It earned praise from The Good Food Guide and The Times for its seasonal, locally sourced menu and unique setting in a converted milking parlour. The restaurant employs 12 staff and works closely with regional producers. But in May 2025, Evans revealed that the business was facing closure after learning that Pembrokeshire County Council had offered the tenancy to another party, despite her belief that the lease was eligible for renewal. However, in a significant development, Michelle announced on Instagram yesterday [July 7] that the family's tenancy has been extended until August 2027, following 'productive discussions' with Pembrokeshire County Council's Chief Executive, Will Bramble. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below 'We are pleased to tell you we have had some productive discussions with Will Bramble, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, and our current tenancy has now been extended until August 2027,' she wrote. 'This is a great start but we would, of course, like to stay longer, so still have a long way to go.' Since receiving the initial news about the tenancy back in May, Michelle and her family have been desperately seeking answers from the local authority. They have documented their fight on social media, providing updates on a petition to the council and the overwhelming support from patrons and locals. The founder of an award-winning restaurant in Pembrokeshire has said she is "mentally exhausted" after she received news that it would have to close later this year. (Image: Paternoster Farm ) The mother-of-two has expressed frustration at the council's handling of the situation, claiming they haven't provided her answers on why the business's future was abruptly cut short and offered to another party without consultation. "It's been mentally exhausting," Michelle told Wales Online last month. "When I already had a full life anyway – the farm work, the restaurant, admin, and kids – this happens. "I'm constantly writing something. I'm doing FOI (freedom of information request), then another FOI, and then another FOI. It takes a lot out of you. I'm just exhausted by it all." The family has been at Paternoster Farm since 2016, when Michelle and her husband decided to take over the small holding's tenancy for 10 years. Former lawyer-turned-chef Michelle started her foodie journey with a beach hut that served street food before deciding to start a business in the farm's former milking parlour. She uses fresh produce and focuses on traditional Welsh cooking infused with Mediterranean flavours. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Times Journalist and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers visited Paternoster Farm earlier this year and praised its culinary offerings (Image: Paternoster Farm ) In a Wales Online review, our writer notes, "When you work this close to the very produce you put on a plate, there comes a deep and meaningful understanding evident in the way Michelle cooks and her food sings on the plates. It's a real treat to eat food cooked with so much respect." Times Journalist and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers was equally impressed and visited Paternoster Farm earlier this year and praised its culinary offerings. In her review, Ivers enthuses, "There's a fine balance between countryside authenticity and fashionable cooking. It works extremely well." Ivers describes the crumbling beef brisket as "hearty and rural yet elegant and cosmopolitan: the product of a big-city lawyer transplanted to the rolling fields." In the same week as the Times' review, the restaurant learned that Pembrokeshire Council was not going to renew its tenancy. The family said the council had already offered the tenancy at Paternoster to another party, even though they believed their lease was eligible for renewal. In response, Pembrokeshire County Council said its proposals follow established policy, which aims to give new entrants smaller farms so they can gain experience before moving on to larger holdings and that tenancies are "not for life." The family has been offered a larger farm in Solva, but Michelle claims that such a move would disrupt their business, livelihoods, and children's education. "It's a terrible time for restaurants as it is but the cost of moving a restaurant and establishing somewhere else, as well as the cost of being closed for that time, will be huge." During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Michelle initially opened a farm shop selling home-reared meat and pastries, which then evolved into a restaurant (Image: Paternoster Farm ) Michelle says she has tried to get an answer on the council's decision not to renew their lease and has sent a request for records, including emails, reports, minutes, and transcripts of all meetings regarding the decision not to renew the lease. However, at the time the local authority said it had searched its records and did not hold the information requested. Undeterred, Michelle spearheaded a petition calling for a full review and debate of Pembrokeshire's 'not fit for purpose' county farm policy. The petition has attracted nearly 2,000 signatures, prompting councillors to schedule it for debate at a future meeting, still leaving the farm's future uncertain. While the extension brings temporary relief, Michelle made clear that the family's fight continues, not just for their own business, but for wider reform of the council's farm tenancy system. In her post, she urged supporters to attend a public meeting at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday, July 17, when councillors will formally debate the petition. 'Just to be clear, our petition is not technically about whether our tenancy will be renewed,' she writes. 'Our petition challenges County Farm Policy and seeks that it be reviewed, on the basis it allows no flexibility to support farm businesses such as ours. If successful... it not only helps us in the longer term, but other new entrants, and the community as a whole.' Michelle also thanked the community for its continued encouragement. 'I'd like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you for everyone's ongoing support and kind words, over these last couple of months. It's given our morale such a boost.' Article continues below
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Owner of top Welsh restaurant forced to close down speaks out
Owner of top Welsh restaurant forced to close down speaks out Michelle Evans, who runs Paternoster Farm, and her family have been fighting for answers from the council Founder of Paternoster Farm Michelle Evans and her family are looking for answers after they were told they would have to move elsewhere as their tenancy at the farm had not been renewed (Image: Paternoster Farm ) The founder of an award-winning restaurant in Pembrokeshire has said she is "mentally exhausted" after she received news that it would have to close later this year. Paternoster Farm in the village of Hundleton, Pembrokeshire has been hailed as serving some of the very best food in Wales and has received rave reviews by the likes of The Good Food Guide, The Times, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. It employs around 12 members of staff and sources tens of thousands of pounds worth of produce from local suppliers. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here. But last month its founder Michelle Evans confirmed the restaurant would have to close as their lease on the farm had not been renewed by its landlord Pembrokeshire County Council. Since receiving the news Michelle and her family have been fighting for answers from the local authority. The mother-of-two has expressed frustration at the council's handling of the situation, claiming they haven't provided her answers on why the business' future was abruptly cut short and offered to another party without consultation. "It's been mentally exhausting," Michelle said. "When I already had a full life anyway – the farm work, the restaurant, admin, and kids – this happens. Article continues below "I've got two kids who maybe we're not doing as much with them as we would normally try and fit in because I'm working on this. "I'm constantly writing something. I'm doing FOI (freedom of information request), then another FOI, and then another FOI. "It takes a lot out of you. I'm just exhausted by it all." The family have been at Paternoster Farm since 2016 after Michelle and her husband Leum decided to take over the small holding's tenancy for 10 years. Michelle started out with a beach hut, which focused on street food before deciding to start a business in the farm's former milking parlour. During the Covid-19 lockdowns Michelle initially opened a farm shop selling home-reared meat and pastries which then evolved into a restaurant. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . Over time the business transformed a small farmstead into a hospitality destination which was featured in The Good Food Guide for three consecutive years and profiled in The Times, which described it as a "rural gem reinventing Welsh dining". During the Covid-19 lockdowns Michelle initially opened a farm shop selling home-reared meat and pastries which then evolved into a restaurant (Image: Paternoster Farm ) According to Michelle the family had "no doubt" the tenancy would be for a decade but when they asked Pembrokeshire County Council about the likelihood of renewing their tenancy after the first 10 years the council hoped there would be no issue. In an email exchange between Michelle and an asset manager for the council in April of last year, seen by WalesOnline, Michelle was told that there was a "lot of support" within the authority for the county farms and that they hoped that "any decision on a renewal would be favourable". In response to WalesOnline's query to this exchange a Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said they had "hoped to be able to offer and provide a tenancy in one of [their] larger farms",but confirmed the "language used in correspondence with [their] tenant did not make that clear" and "may have given the impression that a renewal of the current tenancy at Paternoster would be possible". The restaurant has received rave reviews from The Times and The Good Food Guide (Image: Paternoster Farm ) Michelle explained that in November of last year representatives of the council came to inspect the farm and conduct a survey. She said: "They came out, they spent about two hours here – we walked the land, they looked at the livestock. "They were really happy with how the animals looked, happy how the land was. It was looking really good for that time of year." The conclusion of their visit did not come until four months later. "We heard nothing then until a letter arrived in February," Michelle said. "It was just this one paragraph saying: 'We're not renewing your tenancy. We're offering you a larger farm in Solva. Here's a map. Yours faithfully…'. That was literally it – one paragraph." Hundleton is around an hour's drive from Solva in Pembrokeshire. According to Michelle such a move would disrupt their business, livelihoods, and their children's education. Michelle said she has tried to get an answer on the council's decision not to renew their lease at Paternoster Farm. Michelle has sent a request asking for records including emails, reports, minutes, and transcripts of all meetings in regards to the decision not to renew the lease. But in response the local authority said they had searched their records and the information requested was not held by them. While Michelle feels frustrated by the council's response she also feels uncertain about the future. "It's the uncertainty of not knowing," she said. Michelle has said she feels 'mentally exhausted' and uncertain about the future following the news (Image: Paternoster Farm ) "We're obviously looking at alternative sites for restaurants and cafes because we'd be daft to just tread along fighting this but not have a Plan B. "I'm worried about money. The cost of having to move is going to be enormous. "It's a terrible time for restaurants as it is but the cost of moving a restaurant and establishing somewhere else, as well as the cost of being closed for that time, will be huge." But the recent news has also had an impact on Michelle's children and especially her 14-year-old daughter who has a passion for farming. "When she first found out she took it upon herself to write a letter to the farm's manager," Michelle said. "We didn't know – I didn't know about it until afterwards. "She hopped off the school bus in the village, got some stamps, and posted the letter. They didn't reply to her. "And then she was frustrated so she emailed and asked for a reply and that prompted the farm manager then to email me and say she'd written a letter and that they weren't going to reply because she was a child. I was furious." Michelle added: "She's really into farming. She works in the restaurant and she works every weekend with me. "And she really thought that, with the renewal, the next 10 years would be the start of her adult life here. "She thought she'd be farming with us. She's got her own sheep, she's got her own ducks, she sells her eggs and helps out with the lambing. "She's also only a few years away from GCSEs, which is another thing, because when the tenancy runs out she's only 12 months away from sitting her exams. As any parent would know that's not the time to be moving a teenager." Michelle and her husband Leum have launched a petition calling for a full and thorough review of a policy (Image: Paternoster Farm ) Following the news that their lease renewal was denied Michelle and her husband Leum have launched an online petition calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to conduct a full and thorough review of its County Farm Policy. Previously the county council said their proposals at Paternoster Farm were in line with the policy offering the tenancy to new tenants and providing "those who wish to farm a way of entering into the industry". But the petition argues that the policy is "not fit for purpose" as it does not support "farm diversification nor integration into the community". It continues: "If County Farm Policy does not support and encourage our type of farming enterprise, one which farms the holding to its fullest whilst caring for the land, farms regeneratively, provides employment, fosters community links, supports a wealth of local businesses, supports local schools, feeds farm produce to the community every single week of the year, then it cannot possibly be said to be fit for purpose." It later adds: "County Farm Policy lists its objective as facilitating entry into farming, and moving tenants up to larger farms, but to what end? "Has the authority actually considered who it aims to benefit, and why do they not seek to measure the success, or otherwise, of the policy? "It is all very well to seek to help new entrants into farming, but what are the authority really trying to achieve? Farming for farming's sake is not enough. The authority has to ask, who will benefit, and to what extent?" So far the petition has received more than 500 signatures. In response the county council has said the petition will be "fully considered" with the policy said to be due for a renewal next year. "The amount of support we've received is unbelievable," Michelle said. "I didn't expect it. I thought some people would be angry but everyone was really supportive." She added: "And that support continues with people signing the petition. Within less than two hours we got the 500 signatures that we needed to enable it to be heard by the full council. "I think the restaurant has eclipsed the farm and that's why there's been a bit of a pushback from people." Although no official closing date has been set Paternoster Farm is expected to remain open into the autumn with bookings made available through the restaurant's Instagram page and via For now Michelle and her family remain hopeful that they will get answers. "We've been here nine years," she said. "It's our home, it's our children's home. This place means a lot to us because we've made a huge success at the restaurant. "But at the same time had we known in advance that we'd need to move we'd have made quite different business decisions. "I'm not an unreasonable person. We could have made plans to move and I think, although it would have been difficult, we would have been okay with that as we would've kept other options open. "My issue is the way they've treated us – that's what it comes down to. "The fact that in November, when we spoke about renewal, they went away to do their report and made the decision and then came back in February and only had until March to give us notice if they were going to renew or not. "So it was right down to the last minute. And the way that letter was so unceremonious with one paragraph and no explanation." In response a Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "Renewing the lease on a long-term basis would be contrary to the existing County Farm Policy which is designed to provide opportunity and movement up through the different-sized tenanted farms. Hundreds of people have signed the petition (Image: Paternoster Farm ) "In April last year we hoped to be able to offer and provide a tenancy in one of our larger farms in accordance with our policy; unfortunately, the language used in correspondence with our tenant did not make that clear and may have given the impression that a renewal of the current tenancy at Paternoster would be possible. "As part of our approach the E-petition will be fully considered in accordance with our petitions policy. "That will include a debate at council should there be sufficient valid signatures on the petition. The County Farm Policy is due for renewal next year and will therefore be reviewed in the near future; the petition contents will also be considered as part of this review. "The council supports and commends the contribution and success of the Paternoster Farm restaurant. "However extending the tenancy to facilitate the restaurant on a long-term basis would contravene the existing County Farm Policy; this aspect will be further reviewed along with the policy. "Any relevant information will be released to our tenant in accordance with our data control policies, freedom of information requests, and subject access requests as appropriate." Article continues below
Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Civic pride on show as Pembroke town honours tradition
A MUCH-LOVED Pembrokeshire restaurant praised by national food critics is being forced to close by the end of the year after its farm tenancy was not renewed—prompting a passionate plea from the family behind it and a blunt response from the local authority. Paternoster Farm, based in a converted milking shed near Hundleton, has featured in the Good Food Guide for three years running and was recently described by The Sunday Times as 'a rural gem reinventing Welsh dining.' But despite its success and loyal customer base, the restaurant has been told to vacate the site following Pembrokeshire County Council's decision not to renew the family's 10-year tenancy. The farm and restaurant are run by Michelle Evans, a former solicitor who gave up law to pursue her love of cooking. She built the venture with her family from scratch over the last four years, offering a £58 set seasonal menu based on ingredients sourced from their farm and the local area. Michelle says the decision came as a shock. 'By the time we were made aware, Paternoster Farm had already been offered to another party,' she said. 'There has been no consultation, no negotiation, just a letter telling us to move on. The hospitality industry is tough enough—we've poured our heart, soul, time and money into this. Now, just as we're getting there, it's being taken away.' The council has offered the family an alternative tenancy at a larger holding in north Pembrokeshire, but Michelle says it's not a practical or fair solution. 'This isn't just a business. It's our home. It's our children's childhood. We've built something here that's part of the community—guests book their holidays around dining with us, local businesses benefit from the visitors we bring in. The council talks about economic development, but where's the support for something that's clearly working?' The decision has prompted widespread concern among customers and locals, with Michelle encouraging supporters to write to Pembrokeshire County Council's County Farm Estates department in protest. In a statement, Pembrokeshire County Council defended its actions, saying: 'Tenancies on our estate are not for life. They are for a fixed term, and tenants are fully aware of that when they sign up. In this case, the tenant has been offered a tenancy at a larger holding.' But Michelle says that offer does little to reflect the deep roots the family has put down at Paternoster. 'This peninsula means a lot to me. We've created something special here and it's been cut short without any meaningful discussion. Our children are devastated. We're now left to consider whether to fight this or start over somewhere else.' The restaurant hopes to remain open until autumn 2025, but may close earlier if a new opportunity arises.
