#windstreet — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Carl’s Jr serves its last dine-in burger on Wind Street — as the unit re-emerges in the livery of the chicken shop next door

Carl’s Jr has served its last dine-in burger on Wind Street — with the US chain’s Swansea restaurant now operating as a delivery point only, ten months after it arrived with free burgers and a citywide “Star Hunt”.

When Swansea Bay News visited on Wednesday, the Carl’s Jr signage had been removed and the unit’s windows re-dressed in the branding of Slim Chickens — the fried chicken restaurant next door — with the door marked “Delivery Collection Point”, still carrying the Carl’s Jr star alongside Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat marks.

Boparan Restaurant Group, the chain’s UK franchise owner, confirmed to WalesOnline that the restaurant closed and moved to a delivery-only operation from Monday July 14, following what it called a period of trading and evaluation.

The group said customer demand in Swansea had proved stronger through delivery than dine-in, and that the site had “demonstrated significant demand through delivery”.

A spokesperson said the move was a strategic decision designed to strengthen the group’s long-term growth plans, with investment directed where it sees the greatest potential.

The full Carl’s Jr menu will continue to be available in Swansea through the existing delivery apps.

Ten months of dine-in

The restaurant opened in September last year as Carl’s Jr’s second site in Wales, following the chain’s Cardiff debut at St David’s Shopping Centre at the start of 2025.

The chain announced its Swansea arrival in August as part of a UK expansion drive, opening on September 4 with giveaways and its “bold California flavours” pitch — a restaurant seating more than 40, which the company said at the time would create around 25 jobs.

The chain’s own website now lists the site as “Swansea (Delivery)” — offering Deliveroo, Uber Eats and click-and-collect, with no dine-in.

The group said its Cardiff restaurant continues to perform well as a full-service restaurant.

The chicken next door

Boparan Restaurant Group also operates Slim Chickens in the UK — including the branch immediately next door to the former burger restaurant, whose branding now covers the Carl’s Jr unit’s windows.

It leaves the former restaurant serving as a delivery hub in the livery of its neighbour — on a stretch of Wind Street where fried chicken now dominates, with Wingstop trading two doors along.

Swansea’s appetite for fried chicken has been one of the past year’s clearest trends on the high street — hundreds queued through the night, some for 18 hours, when Popeyes opened on Oxford Street in October. Since then the city’s chicken shop boom has continued to add brands.

More chicken is on the way: a Popeyes drive-thru is in the pipeline at Swansea East Trade Park in Llansamlet, opposite Asda on Clase Road — which would be the brand’s second site in the city.

Carl’s Jr, famous in the US for its charbroiled burgers, had been the city centre’s newest attempt to plant an American burger flag on a street increasingly ruled by the chicken shops around it. For now at least, the burgers survive only by app.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Carl’s Jr. to open first Swansea restaurant as part of UK expansion
The chain’s arrival on Wind Street last September, with free burgers and a Star Hunt.

18-hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
The fried chicken frenzy that greeted October’s Oxford Street opening.

Swansea’s chicken shop boom — the brands battling for the city’s fried chicken crown
How fried chicken took over the city’s high street.

Llanelli Pizza Hut confirmed among closures as franchisee enters administration
Another chain restaurant casualty in the region this year.

SWANSEA: City keeps its Purple Flag for a 12th year as night-time economy stays safe

Swansea has kept its Purple Flag for the 12th year running, recognising efforts to make the city centre safe and welcoming after dark.

The accreditation rewards towns and cities for a well-run evening and night-time economy, balancing entertainment, food and culture with people’s safety.

Swansea was the first place in Wales to earn the award, and remains one of only a handful in the country to hold it.

The flag covers the city centre between 5pm and 5am, and works much like the Blue Flag scheme that recognises good beaches.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the city’s evening and night-time economy partnership worked hard to keep people safe.

“This means that great initiatives can flourish so everyone has a great time out in a safe environment,” he said.

He said the result reflected work to create a safer community and a more vibrant city centre.

This year’s successful submission highlighted a 24/7 reporting line that gives city centre businesses a single point of contact for support.

It also pointed to new forums for restaurateurs and hoteliers, work to tackle nuisance cycling, and the ongoing Wind Street Code of Practice.

Chief Inspector Dean Evans, of South Wales Police, said the award was good news for the city and its visitors.

“We want people to enjoy themselves in our city centre whilst also feeling safe,” he said.

He said the accreditation showed how hard partners had worked to keep the city safe.

The award is overseen by the Association of Town and City Centre Management, which praised Swansea’s blend of entertainment, dining and culture.

The body said the city’s success was built on strong partnership working across different sectors.

The night-time economy partnership brings together the council, Swansea BID, South Wales Police, British Transport Police, the fire service, street pastors, pub and club watch, St John Ambulance Cymru, the city’s two universities, health board and businesses.

It follows recent recognition for the city centre, which won a top UK safety award in March as crime fell, and retained the Purple Flag last year for an 11th year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Safer Swansea: city centre wins top UK award as crime falls
The city centre recognised for falling crime earlier this year.

Swansea BID launches 24/7 crime hotline for businesses
The round-the-clock reporting line praised in this year’s award.

DESIGNATED DRIVERS: Free soft drinks at Swansea pubs during summer of football — here’s how it works

Designated drivers can claim free or discounted soft drinks at pubs and bars across Swansea during this summer’s festival of international football.

South Wales Police is supporting the scheme — known as ‘DES’ — which runs from Thursday 11 June until Sunday 19 July, with more than 30 licensed premises taking part across the force area.

Four Swansea venues have signed up: Coyote Ugly Saloon, Jack Murphy’s and One Eyed Willy’s on Wind Street, and Jack Murphy’s Uplands on Uplands Crescent.

The idea is simple: a designated driver is someone who stays off the alcohol to get themselves — and everyone else — home safely. The scheme aims to make that job a little less thankless.

Drivers at a participating venue on a matchday just need to make themselves known to bar staff, who will hand over a ‘DES’ wristband — unlocking free or discounted draught soft drinks or squash for the rest of the visit.

Each venue decides the detail of its own offer — whether it runs all night, covers a set number of drinks, or applies to selected matches — as the pubs themselves cover the cost, with the force providing posters and wristbands to promote the scheme.

The campaign comes with a serious message about summer drink-driving — and a few reminders that bear repeating.

Police point out there is no reliable way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit, as it depends on weight, age, metabolism, what you’ve eaten and other factors.

There is also no way to speed up sobering — a shower or a coffee might make you feel better, but it won’t remove alcohol from your system.

And the morning after counts too: after a heavy evening, you may still be over the limit the next day — and could lose your licence if you drive.

The force said driving under the influence of drink or drugs can create false confidence behind the wheel and increase risk-taking — with the biggest danger of all being causing a collision that puts your life and others’ at risk.

Licensed premises interested in joining the scheme are asked to contact their local licensing team.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Stay safe in the water this summer — council backs drowning prevention campaign
More summer safety advice as the warm weather arrives.

SWANSEA: Japanese and Korean BBQ restaurant Joyato marks two years in the city — with UK expansion on the menu
More from the city’s food and drink scene.

More Wind Street stories from Swansea Bay News
The latest from the heart of Swansea’s nightlife.

SWANSEA: Japanese and Korean BBQ restaurant Joyato marks two years in the city — with UK expansion on the menu

A Swansea restaurant serving sushi, Japanese grill dishes and Korean BBQ is marking two years in the city — and says local support has given it the confidence to expand across the UK.

Joyato, based in Salubrious Court next to the Vue Cinema, opened in 2024 and has built a following among diners in Swansea and the wider area.

The restaurant sits just off Wind Street — a corner of the city centre that has seen a wave of new food openings, with a run of major fried chicken chains arriving in the past 18 months. Joyato has carved out a quieter niche as an independent.

It offers both à la carte and an all-you-can-eat format that differs from a traditional buffet, with dishes cooked fresh to order rather than sitting under heat lamps.

Diners can order up to five dishes every 15 minutes, working through different parts of the menu over a meal — a format the restaurant says has proved popular with groups and families.

Sushi has been one of its strongest areas, drawing both seasoned Japanese-food fans and first-timers.

In May last year, Joyato added Korean BBQ, letting customers grill their own food at the table — a move it says has become a key part of the experience for groups. The restaurant has also joined Deliveroo for selected dishes.

Director Alice Yi said reaching two years in Swansea was “a very proud moment” for the team.

“Opening any restaurant takes a lot of work, but opening something a little different and building trust with local customers takes time,” she said.

She said the restaurant had been grateful for the support shown by people in Swansea and the surrounding areas.

“We have regular customers who have been with us from the beginning, and we also see people travelling in from outside the area because they have heard about the restaurant,” she said. “That is something we never take for granted.”

On the food, Ms Yi said the team had worked to build confidence with sushi lovers who care about freshness and presentation, while keeping the menu approachable for those new to Japanese food.

“The menu gives people room to explore without feeling unsure, and that has helped us reach a wide audience,” she said.

The Swansea restaurant’s success has led to a sister site in Colchester, which celebrates its first year this July. The company says it is now considering further UK locations.

“Swansea gave us the confidence to look at the next stage of the business,” Ms Yi said. “We would like to open more Joyato restaurants across the UK, but we want to do that carefully and make sure each restaurant feels connected to its local area.”

Joyato is open in Salubrious Court in Swansea city centre, with more information on its website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Fried chicken boom: Six major chicken chain openings in 18 months
How Swansea became the unlikely epicentre of a south-west Wales fried chicken explosion.

Slim Chickens to open new Swansea restaurant on Wind Street
Another new arrival on the city’s best-known night-out street.

Founders & Co saved as new owner steps in after Revel Collective collapse
A Wind Street flagship was rescued after its parent company fell into administration.

18-hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
Hundreds queued through the night when the fried chicken chain opened in the city.

SWANSEA: Everything you need to know about Swansea Pride 2026 — parade route, road closures and what to expect on Saturday

Swansea’s most colourful celebration of the year is almost here. Swansea Pride returns on Saturday 16 May, and as always it’s completely free and open to everyone.

The parade sets off from Wind Street at 11am, heading along Oxford Street and St Helen’s Road before finishing at the Guildhall on Guildhall Road South. The route is marked on the map above — if you’re planning to watch, Oxford Street and St Helen’s Road are your best spots to line up.

Drivers should be aware that there will be rolling road closures along the parade route between 10:30am and 12:30pm. Plan your journey accordingly and allow extra time if you’re heading into the city centre that morning.

Once the parade arrives at the Guildhall, the main stage outside will host live entertainment throughout the afternoon. The full lineup of acts is available at swanseapride.co.uk.

If you want to get out of the sun or explore what the wider Pride community has to offer, head inside the neighbouring Brangwyn Hall where the Swansea Pride Community Zone will be running throughout the day. There you’ll find information stalls from organisations, support services, charities and community groups, as well as some craft traders.

Swansea Pride is organised independently and supported by Swansea Council. It has grown steadily in recent years into one of the city’s most well-attended annual events, drawing people from across Swansea Bay and beyond.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a Pride regular, Saturday promises to be a brilliant day out. The forecast is looking dry with sunny spells — so dig out your best outfit and get involved.

For the full programme of acts and activities, visit swanseapride.co.uk.

Founders & Co saved as new owner steps in after Revel Collective collapse

Just hours after Swansea Bay News revealed that the co‑owner of Founders & Co was preparing to file for administration, administrators have confirmed that the Wind Street venue will continue operating after being snapped up by Neos Hospitality Group.

The deal comes after The Revel Collective — formerly Revolution Bars Group — entered administration this week, triggering the immediate closure of 21 venues across the UK and putting almost 3,000 jobs at risk.

Neos swoops in to rescue Founders & Co

Administrators FTI Consulting announced that Neos Hospitality has acquired the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba and Founders & Co brands, securing 20 trading sites across the UK.

Neos already operates 19 venues, including the Bonnie Rogues brand — which also has a presence on Swansea’s Wind Street — meaning Founders & Co will now sit alongside a growing portfolio of bars and nightlife destinations.

The acquisition protects 1,582 jobs, including staff at Swansea’s Founders & Co.

Neos has also signalled ambitious expansion plans, including transforming the former Tiger Tiger site in London’s Haymarket into a major new hospitality destination later this year.

But 21 venues shut and nearly 600 jobs lost

While the rescue deal secures the future of Founders & Co, the wider Revel Collective collapse has left a trail of closures.

Administrators confirmed that 14 Revolution Bars, six Revolución de Cuba sites and one Peach Pubs venue have shut with immediate effect, resulting in 591 redundancies.

The closures include both Cardiff’s Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites.

A business in deep trouble

The Revel Collective had been battling mounting financial pressures for years. Losses reached £36 million over four years, with rising National Insurance costs, minimum wage increases and falling discretionary spending among younger customers all cited as major factors.

The group had already shut 15 bars in 2024 and warned shareholders in December that their equity was likely to be wiped out.

Debt had climbed to £25.3 million, and by autumn the company was openly seeking buyers as liquidity dried up.

On 27 January, the company formally appointed administrators — and its nominated adviser resigned the same day, meaning its shares will be delisted from AIM next month.

What it means for Swansea

For Swansea, the news is a rare bright spot in a grim week for the UK hospitality sector.

Founders & Co — a popular food‑hall‑style venue on Wind Street — will continue trading under Neos Hospitality, whose existing brands already have a foothold in the city.

The move means staff keep their jobs, suppliers retain contracts, and the venue avoids the sudden closure that has hit dozens of others across the UK.

Neos has not yet commented publicly on its plans for the Swansea site, but the group’s track record suggests investment rather than retrenchment.

More Business & Hospitality

Founders & Co co‑owner to file for administration
Earlier coverage as the venue’s parent company faced collapse.

Popeyes confirms Llanelli opening date
US fried chicken giant announces launch plans and opening‑day giveaway.

Two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants close
Customers share heartbreak as both venues shut on the same day.

Bluebell Coffee Kitchen launches luxury Sunday lunch
Popular café expands with a new premium takeaway offering.

Brains unveils bold new Reverend James campaign
Brewery gives a modern twist to a Llanelli beer legend.

Swansea man jailed for six years after stalking ex and attacking man on Wind Street

Saman Ismail, 20, from Sandfields, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after being found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalking involving serious alarm or distress, and Section 18 wounding with intent.

The court heard Ismail became “obsessed” with his ex‑partner after their relationship ended in July 2024, repeatedly turning up uninvited at her home and workplace, bombarding her with messages and creating fake social media accounts to contact her.

Violent assault after taking victim’s phone

The abuse escalated on 5 August 2024 when Ismail took the woman’s phone, read her messages and launched a prolonged attack.

Prosecutors said he shoved her to the floor, slapped her repeatedly, headbutted her, pulled her hair, poured water over her and kicked her in the chest. The assault left her with a black eye and multiple bruises to her face and body.

Despite pleading not guilty in January 2025, he was convicted at trial in October.

Wind Street attack left man with serious facial injuries

Weeks later, Ismail confronted a man on Wind Street who he believed had a romantic connection to his former partner.

The court heard he pulled the victim’s head through a car window and punched him several times. When the man tried to escape, Ismail chased him and struck him again while holding an unknown object, causing significant facial injuries and a broken tooth.

Ismail had no previous convictions.

Police: “A violent man who made the victim’s life hell”

South Wales Police said Ismail’s behaviour amounted to an “abhorrent campaign of violence, stalking and intimidation”.

PC Abbie Coles said:

“Saman Ismail is a violent man who launched an abhorrent campaign of violence, stalking and intimidation against his former partner.

“This made the victim’s life hell and she will have felt unable to escape him. This violence was not just limited to her either – as Ismail proved when he attacked someone he thought she had a relationship with.

“He is very jealous and dangerous and was highly likely to continue to offend before officers caught up with him. It is good to see he has received this sentence.”

Judge: defendant acted out of “jealousy and rage”

Judge Catherine Richards told Ismail he had shown an “obsession” with his former partner and jailed him for a total of six years in a young offenders institution. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence.

His barrister said Ismail had fled Syria for safety and had hoped to join the armed forces, but that ambition had now been “blighted” by his conviction.

Support for victims of domestic abuse

Police said they recognised how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward and urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse — physical, sexual, psychological or financial — to seek help.

Victims can report abuse online, via 101, or call 999 in an emergency. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Waunarlwydd man jailed for ten years for online child sex offences
A Swansea man is jailed after a major investigation into online child exploitation.

Bridgend trio jailed after attacking man with metal pole, baseball bat and walking stick
Three attackers are sentenced after a violent street assault involving multiple weapons.

Powys man jailed after New Year’s Day bottle attack in Swansea nightclub
A nightclub assault on New Year’s Day leaves a victim with serious injuries.

Newcastle Emlyn father jailed for 35 years after throwing his baby at a TV in shocking attack
A father receives one of the region’s longest sentences after a horrific assault on his infant son.

Council promises “dazzling” Fire and Ice Festival in Swansea city centre

Ice and fire promised for city streets

According to Swansea Council, visitors will be able to follow a trail of ice sculptures, step inside a giant snow globe on Portland Street, and try interactive ice carving. Fire and ice shows are scheduled for St David’s Place, with fire performers lighting up Oxford Street. Families are told to expect roaming snowmen and characters from Disney’s Frozen, while the “Caroler’s Cabin” will host choirs and musicians.

Ice trail clues and performance timings released

A promotional map published by Swansea Council shows nine ice sculptures will be hidden across the city centre, each linked to a festive clue. Locations include Princess Way, Oxford Street, the Quadrant, Wind Street, and Castle Square.

Interactive ice carving is scheduled for Portland Street between 11:30am and 3:30pm, while a giant snow globe will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Fire and Ice shows are planned for St David’s Place at 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm, with additional fire performances on Oxford Street at 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Trail maps will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches, and the new central library at Y Storfa.

Music line‑up released by organisers

The council has published a full programme of performers, ranging from community choirs to swing bands, with sets scheduled across Saturday and Sunday. Maps for the ice trail will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches on Whitewalls and Oxford Street, and the new central library at the Y Storfa development.

Festival part of wider Christmas programme

Council leader Rob Stewart said the festival was part of efforts to make this “the best Swansea Christmas ever,” following the return of the city’s Christmas Parade. Other attractions promoted by the council include the Christmas Market on Oxford Street and Portland Street until December 22, Mistletoe and Markets on December 13–14, and Waterfront Winterland at Museum Park until January 4.

More Christmas stories from Swansea Bay News

Free bus travel returns for Christmas Parade weekend
Council confirms free buses and extra parking after strike suspension — plus festive fireworks.

Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas
Shoppers and families can travel across the city at no cost on selected dates this December.

Victorian Fayre and Parade kick off festive season
Swansea’s Christmas starts with a new Victorian Fayre, Winter Wonderland and Santa switching on the lights.

Together at Christmas returns to Brangwyn Hall
Free meals, entertainment and support services offered at this community event on December 9.

Browse all Christmas coverage
Explore our full archive of festive stories, events and updates from across Swansea Bay.

#castleSquare #christmas #fireAndIceShows #frozen #iceCarving #iceSculpting #iceSculpture #oxfordStreet #portlandStreet #princessWay #quadrantShoppingCentre #stDavidsPlace #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaQuadrant #windStreet

Swansea restaurants fined after serving unsafe meals to allergy sufferers

Three Swansea restaurants have been fined thousands of pounds after investigations revealed they had served meals containing undeclared allergens to customers who had specifically warned staff about their allergies.

Trading Standards officers from Swansea Council carried out undercover sampling and inspections at Saporito Pizza and Grill House on Gower Road in Killay, Indian Street Kitchen on Walter Road in Swansea city centre, and Joyato Sushi and Grill on Salubrious Passage, off Wind Street in the city centre. In each case, staff gave false assurances about food safety, but laboratory analysis later confirmed the presence of allergens including gluten, milk and egg.

At Swansea Magistrates’ Court, all three owners admitted offences under the General Food Regulations 2004 and the Food Safety Act 1990, including placing unsafe food on the market and falsely describing menu items.

The penalties varied, but all were significant. The owner of Saporito Pizza and Grill House, Seckin Bulutoglu, was ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines, surcharges and costs. At Indian Street Kitchen, Muminul Uddin faced a bill of over £2,300. The heaviest penalty was handed to Yanrui Yi, who runs Joyato Sushi and Grill, with fines and costs totalling close to £9,500.

Council officers said the breaches included mislabelled menu items, poor allergen management systems, and a lack of staff training.

Council: “No excuses”

Cllr Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Service (Performance), said the cases showed how dangerous poor allergen practices can be.

“These cases highlight the potentially fatal consequences of failing to manage allergens and provide accurate information to customers,” he said.

“All the businesses involved have no excuses, having received significant advice about staff training and the dangers associated with allergens.

“Swansea Council is committed to protecting public health and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that put consumers at risk.”

Warning to businesses and customers

The council is urging all food businesses to ensure staff are properly trained and that allergen information is accurate and up to date. Consumers are also advised to ask about allergens and, if in doubt, walk away.

#allergens #cllrAndrewWilliams #featured #foodDrink #foodSafety #gowerRoad #killay #restaurant #salubriousPassage #swansea #swanseaCityCentre #swanseaCouncil #walterRoad #windStreet

Swans legends and city dignitaries mark opening of The Swansea Jack sports bar

The Swansea Jack, located on Little Wind Street, welcomed its first customers on Wednesday afternoon (19 November), offering fans a dedicated space to celebrate the club’s heritage, watch live sport, and connect with fellow supporters.

The venue takes its name from the original Swansea Jack pub near the old Vetch Field, a matchday favourite for generations of fans. Its modern incarnation aims to revive that spirit with big screens, club memorabilia, and regular appearances from Swans legends.

Familiar faces at launch

A pre-launch event held the night before saw a mix of former players, civic leaders and venue partners gather to mark the opening.

Among those attending were Lee Trundle, Àngel Rangel, and Matthew Bound, alongside The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cheryl Philpott, High Sheriff Diana Sara Stroia, and Mal Pope.

Venue owner Dal Dhillon said the response from fans had been immediate:

“We’re delighted with the reaction since opening The Swansea Jack. Our aim has always been to create a true home for Swansea City supporters — a place where the club’s heritage is celebrated and where fans can come together to enjoy unforgettable matchday and non-matchday experiences.”

Club-backed and fan-focused

Swansea City AFC has formally recognised The Swansea Jack as its official sports bar. Club CEO Tom Gorringe said the venue was a welcome addition to the city centre:

“We are pleased to see The Swansea Jack open its doors as the club’s official sports bar right in the heart of Swansea City Centre. We believe the venue celebrates the history and identity of Swansea City in a way that truly resonates with our supporters.”

What fans can expect

Inside, visitors will find a mix of live sport, Swansea City content, and a full food and drink menu. The venue says it plans to host regular events featuring current and former players, with the goal of making it a year-round destination for fans — not just on matchdays.

The Swansea Jack is now open to the public. More information is available at www.theswanseajack.com.

#littleWindStreet #pub #sportsBar #swansea #swanseaCityCentre #swanseaCityFc #theSwanseaJack #windStreet