Latest news with #Penarth
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Restaurant shares 'bitter disappointment' after more than 20 complaints from local residents
The former Holm House in Penarth, a luxury boutique hotel on the seafront has reopened with a new restaurant from the team behind popular Cardiff venue, Silures. It opened its doors to guests for the first time on Friday, July 11, but just two weeks later they have faced more than 20 complaints raised by local residents. The complaints have meant that Silures Penarth can no longer serve alcoholic drinks on the premises, and will have to wait longer for their alcohol licence to come through due to significant delays. The hotel originally closed in March 2024 due to rising costs and changing market conditions post-pandemic. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here. READ MORE: One of Cardiff's most popular pubs announces 'final innings' and last day's trading READ MORE: The Welsh market town that 'used to be brilliant' but traders say has been ruined by the perfect storm The team behind Silures Penarth shared a statement on Instagram saying: "It's with bitter disappointment that due to over 20 complaints raised by local residents on the reopening of Holm House's Restaurant & Bar, from July 28th-August 11th, we are unable to serve alcoholic drinks to our guests. "There'll be exceptions made on August 2nd and 10th, which we'll be utilising temporary licensing (also known as 'TEN' - Temporary Events Notice) for to honour existing event bookings. "Up to now, our focus alongside the bedroom management team has been to open Silures at Holm House in the best possible way, as early as possible. By doing so, we've needed to apply for temporary licensing whilst our permanent application went through the standard process. "Due to complaints raised, our application has been significantly delayed and we have unfortunately exhausted the maximum number of 'TEN' days available." They continued: "With this update, we are now inviting diners during this period to bring their own alcohol free of charge (without corkage). All guests booked during this period will be notified. We sadly can only accommodate diners and those ordering soft or hot drinks in the bar, garden and lounge areas."We'd like to thank all guests who have dined with us up to now, and those planning to in the near future- Daf & Andrei" Social media users have flooded the comments of the post to share their support. Some people have asked how they can help and others have wished the team a speedy resolution. One user said: "Oh no! Sorry to hear that. It'll be a temporary blip and you'll be up and running before long again." Another added: "Absolutely crazy to see a local business have to jump through hoops of some people that have absolutely nothing better to do - especially given that the previous business terms were just this! "Not only do you support the local community through jobs, a place to go, local produce and adding a sense of community back to Penarth - we should be supporting businesses that want to take a chance in these climates not holding them accountable to some minor red tape. For this reason - (and I have had a wonderful dinner with you already) I will be booking again during this period. Hoping you move past this swiftly." A spokesperson for the Vale of Glamorgan Council have said that the license is still being determined and the next committee meeting when the decision is due to be made on August 12.
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Art therapist aims for fastest Bristol Channel swim
A woman who swam the Bristol Channel between Penarth and Clevedon is hoping to be named the fastest Briton to do so. Mairi Benton, from Bristol, is waiting for ratification after completing the feat in five hours, 22 minutes, earlier in July. "I had no intention of going fast, just trying to get from A to B, but halfway through it the crew told me 'you need pick up your pace because you could you could be quite fast and get a record'," she Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal range in the world, with 15.24m (50ft) variance between high and low tide, complicated with extremely strong currents. Once her achievement is ratified by the Bristol Channel Swimming Association, Ms Benton will receive a badge reading "bridges are for wimps".She said she took up swimming to help deal with the stress of her work as an art therapist for people with learning disabilities."It completely empties your mind. You just have a great feeling afterwards and you do not regret coming for a swim, ever."I think of it like a filing cabinet, going through everything in my mind and putting everything away neatly and then it's a bit like meditation," she said. She is now planning to swim across Loch Ness in a few years' Smith, her coach at Vobster Quay in Radstock, Somerset, said Ms Benton's "mental strength" was her biggest asset."When you're taking on a significant long-distance swimming challenge, it's very different to, for example, the Olympic swimming in the pool or even open water," he said. "It was that mental strength that really assured me that she could take on a challenge like this," Mr Smith added.
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Vale of Glamorgan council defends Cosmeston aqua park emails
Council bosses have defended comments made in correspondence made public after plans for a controversial water park were given the to the attraction at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, near Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, obtained emails involving the council and Aqua Park Group using the Freedom of Information showed the firm proposed a potential 15-year deal and was told there was an "agreement to move forward with you behind the scenes".But council leader Lis Burnett said no agreement to begin the trial was made before a decision was made by cabinet members in March, and that a suggested 15-year term was at the company's suggestion alone. A council spokesperson also said the comment "moving forward" referred to moving forward with the preparation of a draft heads of terms document and discussions on requirements for water sampling and other operational added that if cabinet members had not given their approval in March, and if Natural Resources Wales had not issued its consent, "discussions would have stopped".The attraction had wanted to relocate after being based in Cardiff Bay since 2019 and includes an inflatable assault course with slides and climbing frames Councillors raised concerns about the emails obtained by the Save Cosmeston and the Vale campaign group during Monday's full council accused the authority of not involving locally-elected representatives and residents sooner as discussions about the scheme went back to it was only in March when the plans were discussed publicly at a council cabinet ward councillor Anthony Ernest said it had been "very badly handled".And Plaid Cymru group leader Ian Johnson said he had "strong concerns" about how quickly it went from being publicised to receiving email from a Vale Council officer to Aqua Park Group on 23 January said there was an agreement for the council to pursue a licence for the company to trial an attraction at Cosmeston Lakes this went on to add that a report on the proposal would need to go before council cabinet members and stated "it will be essential to avoid any sort of publicity about your move before the cabinet report is agreed". Ms Burnett told councillors: "It is entirely normal for staff to have discussions with potential partners to assess feasibility before bringing proposals to cabinet and the council's other committees."This is necessary to allow us to carry out due diligence and risk assessments in the public interest."The aqua park is being trialled until September after which the council will decide whether to consider allowing such an attraction to operate the following season at the country park which has been an official nature reserve since 2013.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Free car parking SCRAPPED in ‘very popular' UK resorts impacting over 50,000 drivers
FREE on-street parking is set to be axed at two popular seaside spots, hitting more than 50,000 residents. The move has sparked fury among locals and traders. 2 Barry Island and Penarth seafront are set to get new charges, as the Vale of Glamorgan Council pushes ahead despite strong public backlash. Cabinet members gave the final go-ahead on Thursday, July 3, after reviewing further evidence about how parking spaces are being used. Council research found more people were choosing on-street spaces over nearby car parks. Officials also flagged growing abuse of the current system, with drivers moving from one free bay to another to dodge time limits – limiting space for genuine visitors. To address this, new on-street charges will apply along the Barry Island and Penarth Esplanades. Parking will remain free before 10am, with a £2.50 charge applying from 10am to noon. After that, rates go up to £4 for three hours and £6 for a maximum four-hour stay. Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: 'These charges are designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow by encouraging people to use car parks, public transport and active forms of travel. 'It has also been proven that people are moving directly from one on-street parking space to another, deliberately abusing the current system by overstaying. "We need to stop that. We also want to increase the turnover and availability of spaces. 'The income raised will be reinvested into the resorts and highway maintenance at these popular locations. 'We have made on-street parking at resorts free before 10am to try and accommodate those living locally and restricted on-street parking in these areas to a maximum of four hours to ensure different people can access spaces throughout the day.' Additional changes include charges being introduced at other nearby car parks – Cold Knap, Bron-y-Mor, Cliff Walk, Portabello and West Farm – following completion of a statutory consultation. Some of the sites will also see improvements, including resurfacing and more disabled bays. The council insists any surplus income from these fees will go towards transport projects, highway upkeep and resort maintenance. But many locals aren't convinced. People took to social media to voice their anger. One X user posted: 'Shocking! As I have said previously, when have the council members EVER worried about or listened to the people?' Another said: 'I can not believe this at all.' Traders have also raised concerns that the move could put off visitors and damage business at the height of the summer season. Despite the backlash, the council will also push on with plans to shut the Court Road multi-storey car park in Barry as part of the same review. The new parking rules will now enter a 21-day public consultation phase under the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process, before they are fully enforced. 2
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Telegraph
The genteel Welsh seaside town with Michelin stars, award-winning pubs and proud locals
Just before sunrise, Penarth was strangely astir. Cloaked figures emerged from the darkness, coalescing at the water's edge. Born during lockdown, the Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club – less a club, more a community open to all – meets here every morning, year-round. As the sun broke the horizon and I disrobed to take my own plunge, I spoke to Sarah-Jane from Lancashire. On the basis of seeing the Dawnstalkers on Instagram, she'd moved here; she's since become engaged to a fellow swimmer. Not every visitor will find love in Penarth, but it's easy to understand the more general appeal. This small farming and fishing village in the Vale of Glamorgan boomed in the 19th century thanks to the building of the docks, the arrival of the railway and the tourism marketeers, who branded it 'the Garden by the Sea'. Penarth is still a box-ticker, offering both coast and countryside plus a community feel with big-city benefits: Cardiff is just 12 minutes away by train. This makes it prime commuter territory, with some of the most expensive addresses in Wales. But while gentrification has priced some people out, it has helped make Penarth more resilient. 'Many towns are struggling,' one local told me, 'but Penarth has bucked the trend.' What's it really like? Penarth is by the sea – well, the silty surgings of the Bristol Channel. But it's not really a traditional seaside town. Yes, it has a Victorian pier. You can buy ice creams (try Fablas), promenade under bulb-strung lampposts and look across to the Somerset coast. But there are no arcades, no sandy beach. 'Penarth has never been about the bucket-and-spade brigade,' explained John Davies, editor of Penarth View. 'If you want candy floss and rock, go to Barry Island [eight miles west]. Penarth is more genteel.' I mooched around, starting by the sea, walking past the tiny but exotic Italian gardens and up through the Edwardian landscaping of Alexandra Park. It all looked extremely well-kept. 'There's real pride in Penarth,' explained Nia Hollins of the Vale of Glamorgan Council. 'The people who live here are making the choice to be involved.' Many are retired professionals, with time on their hands and skills to impart. But there's fresh blood too. Davies also runs the Milkshed, Penarth's first co-working space: 'Our studios are fully let for the next two years,' he said. 'People don't want to commute into Cardiff. They want to come and grow their businesses here.' One new business taking a punt is Silures restaurant, which recently opened at Holm House hotel. This 1920s sea-view mansion was formerly a boutique hotel visited by an array of celebs, from David Hasselhoff to Gary Lineker. That closed in 2024 and it's now a collection of self-catering suites, to which Silures will add 'high-quality food at accessible prices', not least 25 per cent off lobster on Thermidor Thursdays. What's not to like? Parking is a constant source of grumbling, largely because there's no town centre car park. However, there's plenty of free parking on-street and on the edge of town. I made use of the large free site at Cliff Parade, near the much-loved Wilmore's 1938 Cafe. It was well-placed for walking to Comeston Lakes Country Park and along the Coast Path to Lavernock Point, following the fossil-flecked Jurassic cliffs. The car park was also a pleasant mile's walk into the town centre, past the mansions of Victorian shipping tycoons. On that walk, I passed a film crew doing things with cables and hanging around trailers. A sign warned of flashing lights and imitation weapons: 'Please do not be alarmed'. This sort of thing happens frequently here. This set-up was for Casualty, but Penarth has appeared in all sorts. For instance, the Pier Pavilion was transformed into a 1950s Miami cinema for Dr Who and, most recently, the town appeared in BBC comedy-sleuth series Death Valley. While the glamour of being on telly appeals to some locals, it riles others who argue the disruption affects trade – not to mention what it does to the parking… Do this… Support the high street. Start at Grade II-listed Windsor Arcade, where a family-run greengrocer Windsor Fruit Stores of Penarth sells every type of fruit and veg, and Umpa Lumpa sells every type of retro sweet. At the front of the arcade is Griffin Books, UK Independent Bookshop of the Year 2023 and heart of the community: it's just expanded into the shop next door and runs free story time sessions, six book clubs and author events. I had a good browse, then sampled cheese with Jean-Marc at Fauvette and popped into Brød to eat fresh-baked knude and sit where Timothy Spall does in Death Valley. Eat this… Eat everything more like. Over the past decade, Penarth has developed something of a foodie reputation, both in terms of variety and accolades. Chef James Sommerin launched his intimate, 24-seat restaurant, Home, here in 2021; it was awarded a Michelin star six months later. The trendy Touring Club, co-owned by celebrity chef Bryn Williams won a Bib Gourmand in 2024 for its unfussy small plates. Then there's Keyif for top Turkish, Mint & Mustard for Keralan curry and The Pilot for good food and real ale – it's CAMRA's 2025 Pub of the Year for Wales. But don't do this… Don't expect a day of seaside frolics. Penarth regularly ranks high on 'best place to live in Wales' polls but is a little lacking for holidaymakers. There's limited accommodation and few 'attractions'. For instance, Turner House – opened in 1888 so businessman James Pyke Thompson could share his art collection – is a fine building, and remains a community art-space, but won't take long to visit. The restored Art Deco Pier Pavilion is handsome, but its offering is fairly limited: cinema (mostly classics), music sessions for kids. That said, a new cultural manager was appointed in 2024, and has big plans to ensure the space is well used and enjoyed. From a local Mel Griffin, bookseller: 'We're only three miles from Cardiff, but Penarth is very much a separate town with its own identity. In the years I've lived here [since 2001] there has been a lot of development, and the seafront has been reinvigorated with the renovation of the Pier Pavilion. 'In the town centre, shops and restaurants have come and gone but there's still a great mix of independent businesses – you can get pretty much everything you need without leaving Penarth.' From a tourist Nancy Evison from Kent was drawn to Penarth by seeing the Dawnstalkers swim club on Instagram. 'I first visited them in 2022 – the community welcomed me with such openness,' she said. 'I always head straight for the pier when I arrive. I've stayed at the Beachcliff Hotel many times and just love waking up with a view of the pier at dawn.' 'It's just a really friendly kind of place, with the loveliest people,' agreed Ruth McMorrow from Belfast. 'And such a pretty wee seafront – driving down the hill, it took my breath away. I'd also really recommend the coffee and cookies from Stol Coffee.'
