Mandy Scourfield, of Carew Inn, has been at the helm of the popular family-run pub for 25 years this month.Sitting across the road from the medieval castle next to the river, Carew Inn is one of Wales’s best kept secrets.

Mandy took over the premises with her late husband Robert Hinchliffe and they officially opened for business on March 28, 1991.

Both hailing from the area originally, they left their city jobs in Bristol to return to their roots and take over the pub.“Carew Inn has always been a very popular pub,” explained Mandy. “Before our days it was in the good hands of Mrs. Bowen, her daughter Babs and husband Jim Trainer, who did a fantastic job at the pub and made it one of the most popular watering holes in Pembrokeshire.”

Tragedy, though, sadly rocked the family - and the community - in 1997 when Rob became ill and passed away at the age of 39, but his memory very much lives on in the pub with regular fundraising for Singleton Chemotherapy Day Unit. Over £40,000 has been raised through fun nights, marathons, head shaves, hair dying, carol singing and other such events over the years.

Mandy now runs the pub with her husband Rob Scourfield, who she married in 2005. A well-known local cricketer, Rob worked as office manager at Trubloc, owned by Mandy’s brother Jonathan Williams, for 16 years until he finished last April to work full-time at the pub.

“We have almost celebrated our first anniversary working together and I think we are just about still smiling,” quipped Mandy.

A small world, Rob’s dad Tony incidentally used to deliver beer to the pub and when Sarah and James were growing up, James would help Tony unload the kegs, while Sarah would always sign the ticket! Rob’s mum Janice also helped look after Sarah and James every Tuesday evening to help Mandy, so the family tradition of ‘helping out’ certainly continued!”

Carew Inn is indeed a traditional country hostelry with its cosy wood panelled bar with roaring log fire and intimate dining areas. Dogs are most welcome in the bar and lounge areas. It is open all day throughout the year, serving traditional pub fare by cook Debbie Harries, who is about to celebrate her 18th anniversary at the pub, staff manager Jane Smith and also cook Louise Weston.

The front and back of Carew Inn both have stunning views of the medieval castle. The front of the pub boasts a shady terrace looking towards the castle and the millpond. The rear garden has equally good views of the castle and the 11th century Celtic Cross. It’s fully child friendly, with a double gate to keep everybody safe.

In the summer, they hold regular barbecues, while every Saturday during the year, there’s live music - Ella Guru, Guy Maile and Max Cole are all longstanding performers at the pub. They’ve been discovered by numerous celebrities, including Hollywood star Russell Crowe, whose visit made national headlines after he entertained customers in the bar and then left a generous tip, while Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton and pop star Ellie Goulding are amongst others to have frequented Carew Inn.

“I really cannot believe I am celebrating my 25th anniversary at Carew Inn,” said Mandy.

“We are planning a big bash celebration, but as yet, that is still being finalised, so watch this space!”

Twenty-five years is certainly a significant achievement for Mandy at the Carew Inn and she would love to see staff, customers and friends, both old and new, to help her and Rob celebrate reaching the milestone - there is always ‘Plenty of room at the Inn’.

For reservations or more information, call the Carew Inn on 01646 651267 or see www.carewinn.co.uk or for Tudor Lodge enquiries, telephone (01834) 871212 or visit www.tudorlodgejameston.co.uk