Michelin-starred chef to help serve up the ‘Best ever pub pie in Wales’

Tom Shepherd is sharing his secret pie recipe for the first time ever, giving Marston’s customers up and down the country the chance to enjoy a new version of a favourite pub dish, inspired by his banquet-worthy original.

The Best Ever Pub Pie will be available to order in over 100 Marston’s pubs, including 17 in Wales, for 12 weeks, from 17 April.

In South West Wales it will be available at The Mary Dillwyn in Fforestfach, Swansea, The Pheasant in Bridgend, Rose and Crown in Porthcawl and Lost Coins in Withybush, Haverfordwest.

The triple-layered pie is filled with hand-pulled beef cheek, caramelised onions, and roast potatoes, all encased in a luxurious beef fat shortcrust pastry. The pie will be served with seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potato and a rich red wine sauce. 

Tom Shepherd is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur and owns the Staffordshire based, Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs by Tom Shepherd. Tom appeared on Great British Menu in 2023, winning the main course round and the chance to cook his pie at the coveted banquet.

Tom has been working closely with the Marston’s development team to make sure that the pie is as close as possible in flavour and appearance as his iconic dish.

Chef Tom Shepherd said: “I’m so excited to be partnering with Marston’s to give as many people as possible the chance to try my secret recipe. I have been asked to share the recipe a lot, but it hasn’t felt like the right partnership, until now!

“For me, when I think of the pub, I think of a good pie, so I was delighted to have the chance to work with the Marston’s team to bring this pie to life. I can’t wait to see what people think. The Best Ever Pub Pie will only be on the menu for 12 weeks, so don’t miss out!”

Claire Robertson, Director of Operations at Marston’s, said: “Pies are some of the most popular dishes across our menus, but we wanted to do something extra special and when Tom Shepherd agreed to share his recipe, we were thrilled.

“We’ve worked really hard together to create the most delicious dish possible, it’s rich, decadent and absolutely delicious. We can’t wait to introduce The Best Ever Pub Pie to customers across the UK, giving as many people as possible the chance to try my recipe from the 17th of April.”

#chef #Fforestfach #foodDrink #GreatBritishMenu #Haverfordwest #MarstonSBrewery #MichelinStar #pies #Porthcawl #pub #restaurant #Swansea #TomShepherd #Withybush

A much-needed day trip to the sea today, the first time we've been to the coast since October. Porthcawl was very lovely today, and the potent coconut smell of the gorse mixed with the sea air was an amazing tonic.

#MeerMittwoch #Porthcawl #Wales #seaside

Politicians had a whale of a time at Porthcawl’s Cosy Corner

Families eagerly awaited at the sidelines, whilst council Leader John Spanswick cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the area, which offers a large-scale whale play structure that takes centre stage. The bespoke design by Proludic, a UK company experienced in manufacturing and supplying playground equipment, means that this is the only playground whale of its kind in Wales, with only one other located in England.

Delivered by the council’s Green Space Enhancement Team and facilitated by UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding, the play area is suitable for up to 70 children at a time, and also features a series of interlocking climbing nets, platforms, slides and ladders, as well as additional accessible play facilities, including smaller boat-themed features and interactive play panels.

The event marks the completion of the regeneration of Cosy Corner, a scheme which has cost £3m overall.  The development has already provided extensive flat landscaping, the introduction of six new commercial units, new public seating, an all-weather canopy, open space for outdoor events, public toilets, and changing facilities for users of the nearby marina.

Cllr Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are so excited that the new children’s play area is ready for families to enjoy, with many of the designs reflecting ideas offered by local school children. 

“The play area is conveniently positioned at the top end of the site, ensuring that plenty of green open space is still available to host a range of cultural activities planned for the spring and summer months. We are so fortunate to have this newly developed space, which now offers a complete experience for young families visiting Cosy Corner.”

Council Leader, Cllr John Spanswick, commented: “The marine-themed children’s play area is a fantastic addition to Cosy Corner.  Its bespoke whale feature is almost unique to Porthcawl and invites children of all abilities to use their imaginations and become engaged in physical, creative, outdoor play – we are very proud of the facilities in the play area and how they perfectly complement the town’s coastal identity.

“The playground marks a milestone for Porthcawl, with it being the final project to complete Cosy Corner, part of the waterfront regeneration scheme – a worthwhile, extensive initiative which reflects our unwavering commitment to community wellbeing and economic regeneration.”

(Lead image: Bridgend County Borough Council)

#BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #CosyCorner #playArea #playground #Porthcawl #UKSharedProsperityFund

Council approves funding for next phase of Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion redevelopment

Funding has been secured as part of the new joint working agreement between the council and Welsh Government which has allowed the local authority to invest additional finance into the regeneration programme for Porthcawl, and support specific projects, such as the redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion.

The approval of the funds will enable the next phase of the redevelopment works to begin on the iconic, Grade II listed building, and the process for approving a bid for the main contractual building works can be agreed.

The iconic building was granted £18m of funding from the UK Government to redevelop and preserve the treasured landmark following a successful bid by the council and its partners, Awen Cultural Trust.

Following a lengthy public consultation process, the final plans feature the conservation and repair of the some of the building’s iconic Art Deco features including the clock tower and stained-glass windows, alongside new extensions including a glazed, roof top pavilion with views out towards the Bristol channel, a passenger lift, auditorium, gallery, toilet facilities and supporting back of house areas.

The plans also include a sensitive restoration of the building’s original domed roof, with new insulation, and reinstating the original, unique marine-styled weathervane.

Councillor Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “This is exciting news for the Grand Pavilion project. We have already made huge strides in the programme, with the initial preparatory works, including internal strip out of the building, now complete. These works were essential in identifying and addressing any structural issues prior to the main building works starting.

“Thanks to our partnership with Welsh Government on the wider regeneration of Porthcawl Waterfront area, securing this funding, means we can plough ahead with main build and progress with our plans to give this history-rich building a new lease of life.

“Our next steps will focus on working proactively with our partners at Awen Cultural Trust on securing the funds required for the internal fit out of the building, which will complete the redevelopment project and allow us to reopen this fantastic arts and cultural venue for the benefit of the local community once more.”

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said: “As a registered charity, Awen Cultural Trust has an excellent track record of fundraising and successfully delivering funded projects with demonstrable social impact.

“We have a challenging fundraising target ahead of us, but we will be working in close partnership with colleagues at Bridgend County Borough Council to achieve it. Our ambition remains as it always has, to reopen the Grand Pavilion with the high-quality specification expected by the local community and fit-for-purpose for generations to come. We will be launching our fundraising campaigns over the coming months and thank everyone in advance for their support.”

Awen Cultural Trust are continuing to entertain audiences during the redevelopment period with a programme of ‘pop-up Pavilion’ events at the Awel-y-Mor Community Centre, Porthcawl and in other community venues. These monthly events will include jazz, comedy nights, tea dance, cinema, lunchtime theatre and family shows.

(Lead image: Bridgend County Borough Council)

#AwenCulturalTrust #BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #Porthcawl #PorthcawlGrandPavillion

Council updated on Grand Pavilion project as extra cash approved #Porthcawl

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2025/03/council-updated-on-grand-pavilion-project-as-extra-cash-approved/

Two badly injured after fire at Porthcawl Caravan Park

The blaze took place at Happy Valley Caravan Park in Porthcawl at lunchtime on Saturday.

The fire service, which sent three crews to the scene, was faced with a well-alight caravan, which it spent the best part of two hours extinguishing.

Police were also at the scene, and said a man and a woman were taken to hospital, where they currently remain.

A statement from South Wales Police read:

“Police attended following a report of a caravan fire at the Happy Valley Caravan Park at approximately 1pm on Saturday, March 1.

“A man and a woman were taken to hospital with serious injuries where they currently remain. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and a joint investigation is underway.”

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“SWFRS received a call at approximately 1.07pm on Saturday, March 1, to reports of a fire at Happy Valley Caravan Park, Porthcawl.

“Crews and appliances from Bridgend, Porthcawl, and Kenfig Hill attended the scene and extinguished one well-alight caravan using two breathing apparatus, two 45mm jets, two hose reel jets, and one thermal imaging camera.

“The stop message was received around 2.47pm. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.”

A GoFundMe page has been launched by Courtney Parsons to raise money for those affected. It states:

“I am fundraising for a couple who have been involved in an awful situation where their caravan and car has burnt to smithereens.

“The couple are being treated in hospital for their burns/wounds.

“This couple have lost their car and caravan and we would like to raise some funds for them to put towards getting replacements.

“Every penny will help in this terrible time.”

[Lead image: Courtney Parsons]

#HappyValleyCaravanPark #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #NeathPortTalbot #Porthcawl #SouthWalesPolice

New RNLI agreement approved to protect lifeguard services in Porthcawl

Media release

New RNLI agreement approved to protect lifeguard services in Porthcawl

The RNLI will continue to deliver a seasonal lifeguard service at beaches in Porthcawl after Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet approved an increase in funding to protect current service levels. 

The most recent partnership agreement ended in 2024, and Cabinet were asked to consider a number of options which included reductions in service level if no increase in funding was agreed.

The new three-year agreement will cover beaches at Rest Bay, Coney/Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay, with a service in Pink Bay being delivered by the team based at Rest Bay.

Throughout the previous contract, 949 people have been helped by lifeguards, including 12 who are said to have had their lives saved.

The RNLI, alongside other volunteer lifeguard services, play a key part in helping the council’s maintain its Blue Flag status at beaches in Trecco Bay and Rest Bay.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the RNLI and it’s great news that we have been able to protect this crucial service with no reduction in service level.

“We are committed to offering a safe environment for both tourists and residents and it’s clear from the most recent contract that this service does indeed save lives and that is something that we are not willing to compromise on.

“It’s also worth noting that as well as saving human lives, this service has also helped to rescue animals that are using the beaches too.”

(Lead image: Bridgend County Borough Council)

#BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #CllrNeeloFarr #lifeguard #Porthcawl #RNLI

Latest Porthcawl masterplan proposed 1,100 homes; new seafront park #Porthcawl

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2025/02/latest-porthcawl-masterplan-proposed-1100-homes-new-seafront-park/

Porthcawl Waterfront CPO close to completion #Porthcawl

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2025/02/porthcawl-waterfront-cpo-close-to-completion/

Applications for two Porthcawl apartment projects submitted #Porthcawl #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2025/02/applications-for-two-porthcawl-apartment-projects-submitted/

#StormDarragh is hammering the #lighthouse at #Porthcawl! Watch the RNLI webcam here: https://www.porthcawl-lifeboat.co.uk/live-streaming/
@outonashout

The #Bing search screen today features #Porthcawl #lighthouse! No big #storm in the UK is complete without waves crashing over this lighthouse featuring in some newspaper or TV weather report.

Last day of my Porthcawl show today, it’s been an interesting experience ^_^

#exhibition #porthcawl #abstractart #welshart

The much-coveted award, recognised UK wide, was established several years ago through a collaboration between the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University, and social enterprise, Minds Ahead.

Demonstrating a whole-school approach to supporting the mental health of staff and pupils, Porthcawl Comprehensive School was assessed against eight competencies, ranging from leadership and strategy, support for pupils and staff, to working with external services.

Kath Owens has led the initiative and has highlighted some of the successful strategies that have been implemented within the school.

Ms Owens, who is Assistant Headteacher & Director of Planning and Communication said:

“’The Flourish Project’, ‘The Valleys Steps Programme’ and ‘SHINE Exam Stress Support’ are all programmes that have equipped pupils with strategies to develop resilience and to approach challenges with enhanced confidence.” 

The school also has a wellbeing ambassadors programme which is in its fourth year, with designated wellbeing ambassadors trained in mental health and wellbeing. 

The ambassadors have undertaken an array of projects, including those involved with fundraising, developing awareness of mental health, and establishing ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ for Year 7 pupils at lunchtime.

Ms Owens added: “We are exceptionally proud of the work of our wellbeing ambassadors and their commitment to promoting positive mental wellbeing across the school and in the wider community.”

One pupil said: “As a Porthcawl Comprehensive School wellbeing ambassador, I have been provided with a valuable insight into mental health and how to help those who are struggling.

“Many opportunities have arisen, and I now have skills useful for life. I have achieved personal growth whilst knowing that I have had a positive impact within the community, getting a sense of fulfillment from helping those who are struggling.”

Headteacher, Mr Mike Stephens, said:

“Mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of Porthcawl Comprehensive School.  We value emotional health and caring for one another as much as academic success, and this award has helped us to shape and move forward our school improvement priorities linked to wellbeing.  

“We have a strong commitment to making mental health a strategic priority and developing a culture that promotes mental wellbeing for everyone. 

“Mental health and wellbeing are strong features within our School Improvement Plan, and I am proud to say we have an outstanding ‘whole-school approach’ involving pupils, staff, governors, and several professional partners. 

“We hold this award for three years, and we will continue to develop all that we do to support mental health and wellbeing for everyone within our school community.”

Councillor Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said:

“Congratulations to Porthcawl Comprehensive School!  

“It’s very clear that mental health and wellbeing are positioned at the heart of the school and it’s wonderful that this has been recognised by the receipt of the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Gold Award.

“The local authority recognises the direct link between positive mental health in schools and successful educational outcomes, and Porthcawl Comprehensive School is evidently securing the best results possible, on an academic and personal level, for its pupils.

“I am looking forward to seeing how the school’s mental health support strategies will continue to grow, shape and develop. Once again, well done all!”

[Lead image: Bridgend County Borough Council]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/12/porthcawl-comprehensive-school-celebrated-for-prioritising-pupils-mental-health/

#CarnegieCentreOfExcellence #mentalHealth #MindsAhead #Porthcawl

In a case brought by Bridgend County Borough Council, Atkinson, of Woodlands Avenue, Porthcawl, was charged with offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. 

The Shared Regulatory Services then investigated Atkinson’s trading practices, and it soon became apparent that he engaged in misleading and fraudulent trading practices in his dealings with customers. 

Using classic rogue trader practices, Atkinson had many reports against him including incomplete work, goods not being ordered, poor workmanship, and failure to obtain necessary planning and building control consents.

Atkinson pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud, one count of fraudulent trading and one count of unfair commercial practice.

During the recent sentencing hearing, the court was told of the significant financial detriment the homeowners found themselves in after choosing Paul Atkinson to work at their properties. Victim impact statements were read out in court.

In total, he was sentenced to a total of 43 months imprisonment and a Proceeds of Crime Act timetable has been set, which should include consideration of compensation for the victims.

In sentencing, His Honour Judge Carl Harrison reflected on the Victim Impact Statements provided by the residents affected and highlighted recurring themes within them, noting that it was clear that the offending had a serious detrimental effect on the victims, including emotional and psychological harm as well as financial. 

Cllr Hywel Williams, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance and member of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Committee said: “The outcome of this case should send out a clear message to all rogue traders that complaints of this nature will be investigated by our Shared Regulatory Service and action will be taken as appropriate.

“The residents have been through an extremely difficult time both personally and financially. I would encourage everyone to visit the SRS website for advice on how to avoid rogue traders and how to report a problem if something goes wrong.

“Particularly given the ongoing national financial pressures, residents should take their time and do their research to find reputable traders for any work.”

Lead image: Some of rogue builder, Paul Atkinson’s unfinished projects (Images: Bridgend County Borough Council)

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/30/porthcawl-man-given-43-month-prison-sentence-in-rogue-builder-case/

#BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #Porthcawl #RogueBuilder #TradingStandards

Took these while on a week's holiday in #porthcawl with my Honor 90 Lite with it's 100 megapixel sensor #photography #southwales

Porthcawl

Wandering in the general direction of Aberafon…

© Simon J Ashcroft, 2024; CC-BY-NC-ND
These photos are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

#SJAshcroftsPhotos #MyPhotos #Porthcawl #Wales

Another Slow Ways completed from Pyle to Sarn running primarily along the old Llynfi to Porthcawl train/tram line. Route surveyed and 5⭐️ review given. It’s perfect for wheels as it’s flat, mostly tarmac and squirrels running everywhere! #Wales #Cymru #Sarn #Pyle #Porthcawl #Llynfi #SlowWays #Squirrel #Tram #Train

Took a "bracing" #Wander from #RestBay in #Porthcawl to #SkerPoint today. Some dramatic #Seas and #Skies, Plenty of #Birds, including a huge flock of #GoldenPlover and it was good to see the scaffolding finally starting to come off #SkerHouse.

You can see more of my photos at:
https://aimlesswelshwanderer.picfair.com

#Landscape #Seascape #Wales #Cymru #Birds #Nature #SunBurst

An early morning #Wander in #Porthcawl today before #StormCiaran hits. Already some pretty big #waves hitting the #Lighthouse

#Wales #Cymru #landscape #Seascape #LandscapePhotography

You can see more of my photos at:
https://aimlesswelshwanderer.picfair.com