Swansea’s women-led brewery toasts success on International Women’s Day

Drop Bear Beer Co., which specialises in alcohol-free craft beers, has confirmed it is leading a new generation of women in the industry as it reflects on its recent acquisition of the iconic Welsh brand, Tomos Watkin.

The company has said that while women once dominated the brewing trade as medieval ‘alewives’, they now make up only around 30 per cent of the UK’s brewery workforce, with even fewer in technical roles.

Founded by Joelle and Sarah Drummond, the business began with small-scale recipe development in their kitchen before expanding into a multi-award-winning international brand.

According to the brewery, the acquisition of Tomos Watkin in 2023 marked a significant milestone, allowing the female-led team to take ownership of one of Wales’ most historic beer names.

The Swansea firm is now recognised as the UK’s largest alcohol-free brewery and continues to operate from its production base in Llansamlet.

Leading the production line is Head Brewer Bex, who oversees quality and operations at scale, providing what the company describes as a visible example of women in technical brewing roles.

“We’re proud to be part of a new generation of women building and brewing in this industry,” Joelle Drummond, Co-Founder of Drop Bear Beer Co., has said.

She added: “Women were central to brewing historically, and while representation today isn’t equal, it is changing.”

The brewery, which is a certified B Corp and carbon neutral, has previously secured major supermarket deals with Morrisons and Tesco.

Its range of 0.5% ABV beers includes Tropical IPA and Yuzu Pale Ale, all of which are produced at the Swansea brewery and exported internationally.

As International Women’s Day approaches, the team has said they are celebrating women across Wales who are shaping business and industry, proving that “leadership in beer is evolving.”

MOTORISTS WARNED: Three months of lane closures on Mumbles Road for gas pipe upgrade

Motorists are being warned to expect delays as a major gas pipe upgrade is set to begin on Mumbles Road next week, bringing with it three months of phased lane closures.

Wales & West Utilities will start work on 4 March to replace over 1,000 metres of gas pipes in the area, a project described as “vital to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses.”

The work, which is scheduled to finish in June, has been planned in conjunction with Swansea Council to minimise disruption. While access will be maintained at all times and traffic will still be able to travel in all directions, lane closures will be in place and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

Crucially, the project has been planned to avoid working on Mumbles Road itself during the busy Easter school holidays.

The work will be carried out in three phases:

•Phase 1: Mumbles Road at the junction with Sketty Lane (4 – 27 March)

•Phase 2: Mill Lane (30 March – 10 April)

•Phase 3: Mumbles Road at the junction of Mill Lane (13 April – 15 June)

Wales & West Utilities’ Adam Smith, who is managing the work, said the project was essential for the community.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future,” he said.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.”

He added that the work would also ensure the network is ready to transport green gases in the future.

Swansea Opticians celebrate milestone 30th anniversary

Judith Roberts Opticians has been at the heart of the community since its opening in 1996 by Judith and Austin Roberts, serving generations of patients over the decades. The team has developed strong ties to their patients and the local community over the years, aided by their cultivated family environment and focus on clinical excellence.

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the team at Judith Roberts Opticians held an event on Monday the 2nd of February where patients were welcomed into the practice to join the team in their celebrations and enjoy special offers such as 20% off complete glasses amongst other exciting surprises and discounts.

During its 30-year history, Judith Roberts Opticians has established itself as a family-focused practice that invests in achieving high standards of care for each individual patient, supported by long-standing team members and high-quality technological equipment.

Senior Optical Assistant, Elizabeth Leonard, said:

“I am incredibly proud of the impressive development of our practice since it’s opening in 1996. Our 30th anniversary is a huge testament to the work that we’ve put in.

“Over the years, we have made it an absolute priority to invest in new technology, as well as specialising in contact lenses, including complex lenses. We’re truly proud to offer world class eyecare in Mumbles for all the family.”

Across 2024 and 2025, the team at Judith Roberts Opticians gained new leadership, with Hannah Walters and Patrick Foley taking the lead and allowing original owners Judith and Austin, along with Practice Manager, Julie, to retire.

Embodying the ethos and the trust that Judith and Austin built, the Mumbles community remains the team’s absolute priority, along with the new Practice Manager, the wonderful Ali Lloyd-Henderson, who deeply fosters the same values and beliefs.

Ali added: “We want everyone who visits the practice to walk out the door every time and say ‘wow, that was impressive’. We treat each patient as if they were our own family and focus on what is best for them.

“Our growth over the years has been due to this ethos, alongside developing an amazing team. This has been the eyecare experience, the Judith Roberts way, for 30 wonderful years.”

After 30 years of loyal and dedicated expertise, the team at Judith Roberts Opticians look forward to continuing to provide friendly, unmatched standards of clinical excellence for the eyecare needs of Mumbles and the wider Swansea community.

To find out more information about Judith Roberts Opticians or to book an appointment, please visit https://www.judithroberts-opticians.co.uk/

Banking hub recommended for Mumbles as high street services continue to disappear

Mumbles has become the latest community in Swansea to be recommended a banking hub, after LINK — the UK’s cash access network — said the village qualifies for a dedicated shared branch. It follows an application from local councillor Will Thomas, who warned that years of bank closures have left residents struggling to access basic services.

If delivered, the hub would be the third in Swansea, joining Morriston’s already‑open site and Gorseinon’s hub, which is due to open later this year.

What the hub will offer

Banking hubs operate like a traditional branch but are shared by all major banks. Customers can withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and speak to staff from their own bank on rotating days.

The project will now be taken forward by Cash Access UK, which will begin speaking to local businesses and searching for a suitable site in the coming weeks. There are currently 214 hubs open across the UK, including 12 in Wales.

Dr Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer at LINK, said the decision followed evidence of strong local need.

“We’re delighted to recommend a new banking hub in Mumbles. Special thanks go to Councillor Thomas for helping to ensure we had a full picture of the town’s cash access needs.”

“Part of the fabric of a thriving high street”

Cllr Will Thomas, said the hub would restore a vital service that many residents still rely on.

“I’m absolutely delighted my application was successful, so Mumbles will once again have a dedicated community banking facility. Many residents still rely on face‑to‑face services, whether that’s for depositing cash, managing accounts, or simply having the reassurance of speaking to someone in person.”

He said the loss of high street banks had hit the village hard.

“Banking isn’t just about transactions. It’s part of the fabric of a thriving high street. When people come into the village to use banking services, they visit our cafés, shops and local businesses. It supports footfall, strengthens our local economy, and helps keep Mumbles vibrant.”

“A real difference for residents and small businesses”

Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, also welcomed the recommendation.

“This will make a real difference for residents — particularly those who need extra support when banking — as well as the many small businesses central to the area that rely on cash for their day‑to‑day operations. It’s an important step in keeping our community connected and thriving.”

LINK says anyone can check their nearest free cash access point using its online Cash Locator tool.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements
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Morriston banking hub location confirmed
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Night‑time road closures as new safety upgrades head to Mumbles seafront

Swansea Council confirmed that work will start on January 25 to install two new pedestrian crossings and widen pavements at the junction of Newton Road and Mumbles Road. The authority says the scheme is intended to link the recently upgraded promenade with the village’s main shopping street ahead of the Easter tourism season.

Five nights of closures before weeks of temporary lights

According to the council, a short stretch of Mumbles Road will close overnight for five nights from Sunday to Thursday, between the White Rose pub and the taxi office. Diversions will run via Newton Road from 8pm to 6am.

The council says almost all construction will take place at night to keep traffic moving during the day and maintain access to businesses.

From February 1, Swansea Council says three‑way temporary traffic lights will operate 24/7 for around six weeks. The authority says the lights will be removed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays where possible, returning each Sunday evening.

Crossings, wider pavements and a safer bus stop

The council says the upgrade includes two new pedestrian crossings near the mini‑roundabout, wider pavements around the junction and improvements to the Swansea‑bound bus stop, which will get a new shelter and more space for waiting passengers.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the work would complete the link between the new prom and the village centre.

“The seawall upgrade and prom improvements have made a huge difference to the area for residents and visitors,” he said. “Mumbles remains open for business during the new work. Most work will be done by night to minimise impact on traffic and businesses.”

Cllr Stevens said the new crossings would give people “safe and easy” access between the shops and the seafront.

“Newton Road is a busy pedestrian area and we want to ensure those walking between the prom and the shops can do so as safely as possible,” he said.

He added that the bus stop upgrade was needed because queues often formed on a narrow pavement.

Delays expected but work timed for pre‑Easter finish

Swansea Council says temporary traffic lights are unavoidable and will cause delays, but the aim is to complete the scheme before Easter.

“We will be doing everything we can to keep the disruption to a minimum and complete the upgrade as soon as possible,” Cllr Stevens said. “We want to thank businesses, residents and visitors alike for their patience while it goes ahead.”

The council says the bus stop will remain in use throughout the works but may be temporarily relocated along the same stretch of pavement as construction progresses.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Painted utility boxes bring colour and conversation to Mumbles
A community art project brightens the seafront and sparks local engagement.

New Mumbles seafront play area opens as part of coastal revamp
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Mumbles para‑rower Ben Pritchard crowned Welsh Sports Personality of the Year
Local athlete honoured after a standout year on the international stage.

Council sets out plan to keep new‑look Mumbles prom clean and welcoming
Swansea Council outlines how it will maintain the upgraded seafront ahead of peak season.

Four men charged after ‘aggressive’ cold‑callers spark alarm in Mumbles and Gower villages

Officers moved in after multiple reports from concerned households who said the men’s behaviour left them feeling uneasy.

Raymond Turnbull, 34, and Liam Doherty, 32, both from Middlesbrough, along with 25‑year‑old Connor Peacock from Reading, have each been charged with acting as a pedlar without a pedlar’s certificate.

A fourth man, 31‑year‑old Ryan Steel from Stockton‑on‑Tees, faces the same charge and an additional count of possessing cannabis.

Detective Inspector Tom Richardson said the men’s behaviour had rightly raised concerns among residents.

“These four men aroused suspicion due to their behaviour and made local residents feel uncomfortable. We thank residents for their diligence and willingness to report this to police. Reporting to and engaging with the police is invaluable in helping us keep our communities safe.”

He urged people across Swansea to stay alert and report anything that doesn’t feel right.

“If you witness unknown individuals acting suspiciously in your area, please report it to us.”

The men are expected to appear in court in due course.

Swansea Building Society reports £117.5m in mortgage lending as outlook improves for borrowers

The Society says demand for mortgages remained strong throughout the year, supported by improving market conditions and growing confidence among home buyers. It says its relationship‑based, locally delivered lending model continued to attract customers across South West Wales.

Performance was led by the Swansea team, which includes the Swansea and Mumbles branches. Together, the two branches completed more than £48 million in mortgages during 2025, making them the Society’s top‑performing team.

The Society says the results reflect its long‑established face‑to‑face banking model, with lending decisions made locally by qualified mortgage professionals. It says this approach continues to support first‑time buyers, home movers and remortgage customers during a period of economic uncertainty.

Strong branch performance

Mumbles Branch Manager Tony Rees recorded the highest individual mortgage completions across the Society, totalling £20 million. Based at the branch for more than three years, he manages mortgage relationships across Swansea West and Gower.

Swansea Branch Manager David Osterland achieved the second‑highest completions, with £18.3 million in lending. Appointed a year ago after relocating from the Society’s Cowbridge branch, he returned to his home city and quickly built momentum with local customers.

The Society says recent changes within its Swansea‑based relationship team have strengthened customer support and service capacity. As a result, both Swansea and Mumbles branches recorded their highest annual growth in mortgage balances since opening in 2019 and 2010.

Interest rate shifts shaping demand

The Society says easing interest rates helped support affordability towards the end of the year. The Bank of England base rate fell from 4.75% to 3.75% in December, following a sharper‑than‑expected drop in inflation.

With unemployment at a near five‑year high and GDP contracting, the Society expects further rate reductions in 2026. It says this should continue to improve affordability for many borrowers and support confidence among home buyers.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Our results in the Swansea area in 2025 are testament to our face‑to‑face relationship banking business model, where customers can call into one of our branches and meet a qualified mortgage professional who can help them with their mortgage requirements.”

“Looking ahead, our Society expects continued demand for mortgage services. On the back of the growth achieved in 2025, we plan to recruit additional mortgage‑qualified managers and managers’ assistants during 2026, further reinforcing our commitment to accessible, in‑branch expertise.”

The Society says it remains focused on supporting members and communities through sustainable growth, local decision‑making and a continued commitment to personal service delivered through its branch network.

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Mumbles para‑rower Ben Pritchard crowned Welsh Sports Personality of the Year

Golden hat‑trick for Mumbles star

The 33‑year‑old from Mumbles stunned the sporting world with a hat‑trick of major titles — Paralympic gold in Paris, followed by European glory in Plovdiv and a world crown in Shanghai.

It’s a meteoric rise for the former sailor and triathlete whose life changed forever in 2016 after a cycling crash left him paralysed from the ribcage down.

From hospital bed to sporting hero

Introduced to adaptive sport during his recovery, Pritchard discovered rowing at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. By 2019 he was making his GB debut — and by 2024 he was Paralympic champion.

Now, just nine years after lying in a hospital bed, he’s standing tall as Wales’ top sporting star.

“This means everything to me,” said Pritchard. “Nine years ago I was just aiming to live my life again. And here I am, winning the biggest award in Welsh sport.”

Sporting roots and family pride

Pritchard comes from a proud sporting family — his father a judoka and rugby player, his mother a netballer for the Welsh police force. He first made waves at Mumbles Yacht Club, before turning to cycling and triathlon.

Eyes on Los Angeles 2028

With the BBC Cymru Wales crown secured, Pritchard has already set his sights on defending his Paralympic title at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Panel praise and tough competition

Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey‑Thompson chaired the judging panel, hailing Pritchard’s “phenomenal year.”

Jockey Sean Bowen from Pembrokeshire was runner‑up after passing 1,000 career wins and being crowned Champion Jockey — the first Welshman to do so since 1954.

Other stars commended included sprinter Jeremiah Azu, cyclists Anna Morris and Zoe Backstedt, para‑athletes Aled Sion Davies and Sabrina Fortune, snooker icon Mark Williams, table tennis prodigy Anna Hursey, rally driver Elfyn Evans, boxer Lauren Price and swimmer Matt Richards.

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#BBC #BenPritchard #Jockey #Mumbles #MumblesYachtClub #ParaSport #ParaAthlete #paraRower #SeanBowen #WelshSportsPersonalityOfTheYear

Swansea ranks #2 in UK’s best winter seaside list – only beaten by Brighton!

Swansea has been crowned the UK’s second best winter seaside destination, finishing just behind Brighton in a national survey of 45 coastal towns and cities.

The study, carried out by SuomiCasino, found Swansea’s mix of 69 coastal trails, many along the dramatic Gower Peninsula, plus 558 bars and restaurants and 46 landmarks, made it one of the country’s most appealing off‑season escapes.

Swansea’s strong showing means it outranked well‑known seaside names including Portsmouth, Penzance, Blackpool and Eastbourne — and secured the title of Wales’s top winter seaside destination.

Winter by the Welsh coast

The survey highlights Swansea’s combination of scenic walking routes, cultural sites and dining options as ideal for a winter getaway.

Visitors can explore Mumbles Pier, walk the dramatic paths around Three Cliffs Bay, or enjoy local seafood at cosy waterfront restaurants. With an average winter temperature of 6.0°C and 3.8 hours of sunshine per day, the city offers a relatively mild and bright coastal experience compared to many rivals.

Brighton tops the list – but Swansea close behind

Brighton took the top spot thanks to its extensive dining scene, with 949 bars and restaurants, alongside 52 landmarks and 35 beach walking trails. But Swansea’s higher number of trails and strong mix of attractions put it firmly in second place, just behind the south coast city.

Portsmouth came third, praised for its maritime heritage and extensive seafront, while Penzance and Blackpool rounded out the top five.

Northern beaches offer longer daylight

While Swansea ranked highly for overall winter appeal, the study also highlighted northern destinations such as Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, and St Andrews for their longer daylight hours — each averaging 4.4 hours of winter sunshine per day.

These locations were noted for their dramatic coastlines, historic architecture and extended walking opportunities, proving that winter seaside escapes aren’t limited to the south coast.

Full rankings: Top 20 UK winter seaside destinations

#coastalCity #coastalTown #coastalTrail #gower #mumbles #seasideDestination #swansea #tourism #winterSeasideDestination

Mumbles arts and crafts business moves to bigger premises thanks to micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales

Craftsea hosts paint-your-own pottery sessions for individuals and groups, allowing customers of all ages to paint from a selection of ceramics – including plates, cups, coasters and mugs – which are then glazed and fired on-site. It has now moved to a larger, neighbouring property on the Mumbles Road, nearly doubling the space it occupies and allowing it to bring in more pottery painters.

Craftsea was set up by Louise James in 2017. She began by hosting pottery painting parties and classes at customers’ homes or community venues, and firing the painted products in a kiln in her own garage.

A year later, Louise moved Craftsea to a shop space on the Mumbles Road where she was able to host her own events and regular painting sessions, which also provided her with room for a dedicated in-house kiln. But in the last two years demand for painting and large group sessions has risen, and Louise started looking for a larger home for the business.

As well as providing Craftsea with more space for painting parties and classes, the new venue also has a bar space for teas, coffee and alcoholic drinks.

Speaking on the expansion Louise said:

“We’ve grown really quickly, and it became obvious that we needed to go somewhere else, with more capacity and more room. The new venue is much more spacious, with room for a kitchen and a dedicated retail space, along with a bar.

“The support from the Development Bank means that we’re now ready for the next phase of our growth with more space to meet the demand we’ve built up in the last few years.”

Charlotte Price, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said:

“Louise has built a popular creative business with Craftsea, in an area with strong demand from parents of young children looking for group activities, and those looking for an alternative to the usual night out. We’re pleased that our funding is helping Louise to grow the business and expand her offering for the local community and tourists alike.”

Financed by Welsh Government, the Wales Flexible Investment Fund is for deals between £25,000 and £10 million. Loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments are available for Welsh businesses with terms of up to 15 years.

For more information, visit the Development Bank of Wales website.

#Craftsea #DevelopmentBankOfWales #Mumbles