Patrick Glover

Bristol Airport is seeking operators for 10 new food and drink outlets in its airside departure lounge as part of a £400 million terminal transformation. Proposed concepts include quick-service food, grab-and-go options, coffee, bread, premium bars and a speakeasy. The wider project aims to increase annual passenger capacity from 10.8 million to 12 million, with first-stage tender applications due by midday on September 1, 2026.

Ryanair warns travellers using Bristol Airport to expect long queues at major European destinations due to ongoing issues with the EU Entry Exit System, which requires biometric checks for non‑EU passengers and has led to significant delays. Airline executives call for the system’s flexible rollout period to be extended to 2027 to allow airports to address faulty equipment and low staffing levels. New UK eGate rules now allow younger children to use automated gates, aiming to ease arrivals. Travellers are advised to allow extra time and prepare for extended waits at passport control.

The British Heart Foundation will close 87 charity shops by March 2027, including three in South Wales, as part of a wider plan to shut 150 locations due to rising operating costs and changing customer behaviour. The charity states the closures are necessary to sustain its retail contribution to cardiovascular research funding while maintaining a strong overall financial position. Senior leaders emphasise support for affected staff and commitment to evolving retail operations through online channels and remaining stores. The closures come amid a broader wave of business shutdowns across South Wales in 2026, affecting retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as upcoming Post Office branch closures linked to Morrisons Daily store shutdowns.

Troedyrhiw Lido, a community-built freshwater pool opened in 1934, has been abandoned since the mid‑1960s following repeated vandalism that made it unusable. Initially funded by Mr and Mrs Threipland and constructed by unemployed miners, the lido featured terraced banks and free bathing but deteriorated after damage in the 1940s. Its pavilion and pool remain on the hillside near Troedyrhiw, now heavily worn and covered in graffiti, standing as a reminder of its past role in the community.

Cardiff Airport’s new Next Generation Security system allows passengers to keep electronics and liquids in hand luggage, but the 100ml liquid limit remains in place. Liquids must still be in containers of 100ml or less unless exempt for medical, dietary, or infant needs. Duty‑free liquids are permitted if sealed in security bags, and staff may open items for screening. The changes aim to make security faster and more convenient for travellers.

Four South Wales restaurants—The Black Bear Inn, Ogof, The Shed, and Thomas the Brasserie—were ranked among Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in the Good Food Guide’s 2026 list, with The Black Bear Inn named the regional winner for Wales. The guide commends each venue for creative cooking, strong service, and commitment to local and seasonal produce, while customer reviews highlight high-quality food and welcoming atmospheres across all four establishments.

New rules at Cardiff Airport will allow children aged eight and nine who meet height requirements and travel with an adult to use eGates starting July 8, enabling faster arrivals and reducing manual processing. The change increases eligibility by an estimated 1.5 million children across 13 UK airports. The UK Foreign Office has also updated travel advice for Spain following extreme heat and rising fatalities, urging caution around water safety, strong currents, and changing beach conditions, and emphasizing close supervision of children and adherence to beach flag warnings.

Bodycare is set to reopen on the UK high street with 25 new stores by 2026, including a confirmed location in Cwmbran, after collapsing into administration last year and closing all 150 of its shops. Rescued by former Body Shop leadership, the retailer plans a redesigned in‑store and digital strategy with free content‑creator studios in each site. Executives describe strong industry response and confidence in rapid expansion. The article also notes the separate return of plus‑size retailer Evans, now available in over 50 Yours Clothing locations following its acquisition by AK Retail.

Bonnie Tyler divides her time between Portugal and the coastal village of Mumbles, celebrated for its seaside charm, historic attractions and local food culture. The article highlights her rise from Skewen to international fame, her honours including an MBE and her connection to the Gower area. Mumbles is portrayed as a vibrant coastal community with notable sites such as Oystermouth Castle and Mumbles Pier, as well as celebrity residents including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Melanie Walters.

More than 230 mobile speed cameras will operate across South Wales in July, including on major roads such as the M4, A48, and A467, along with additional setups near Cardiff Airport. Several new fixed 20mph cameras have recently gone live across multiple locations. Drivers caught speeding face a minimum penalty of a £100 fine and three licence points, with some eligible for a paid driver education course instead of points. The GoSafe partnership highlights speeding as a major factor in road collisions.