Preservation of history

We wanted to support home-grown experts in traditional and modern crafts and have the building reflect the people of today’s Pembrokeshire as well as its past. 

That’s why the 53 traditional sash windows were handmade by master craftsman Richard Manning and his team of woodworkers in Pembroke Dock. They match perfectly with the classical Georgian architecture of the mill building, and were expertly fitted by Dai Oakes, who has also painted them. When you look out at the beautiful views around the mill, you’ll be doing so through Dai and Richard’s hard work.

When you walk up the staircases, you’ll be using the work of Alex and Dan from Pembrokeshire Engineering, who have fabricated them in their Pembroke Dock workshop. Bringing together all the components and making sure everything runs like clockwork is Jim Dilks, the site manager for Carl Griffiths Building and Groundwork, based in Haverfordwest.

Years of hard work have gone into this project.

Craftspeople, engineers, makers and designers have dedicated themselves to sensitively restoring the 210 year old mill building along with its machinery, preserving its history and heritage for the future. In a county full of historic landmarks, Black Pool Mill is a unique location for a unique restaurant. 

The building dates back to 1813, when Nathaniel Phillips replaced a 17th century forge and iron furnace with a water mill to grind wheat into flour. The imposing building, with its rows of windows, looks out over the River Cleddau, and the ornamental bridge was added in 1825 to create a beautiful viewpoint over the river. Guests will be able to enjoy the views from the new riverside terrace, while also enjoying an aperitif.

One of the most striking features of Black Pool Mill for guests will be the restored milling equipment.

Installed in 1901, the massive iron cogs and wheels, with their connecting rods and braces, will form the backdrop to the restaurant space. Guests will be able to see the mechanism as it was when it was installed, as it has been cleaned and preserved. However, it won’t be in action, as it would be both noisy and dangerous to dine in a working mill. The restoration has been as transparent and respectful as possible, to keep the historic elements of the building and its industrial past intact, while also creating an inviting and interesting place to enjoy the finest local produce. 

The painstaking philosophy behind the restoration goes for everything we are doing at Black Pool Mill. The work of local experts like carpenters Ed and Chris, who created the beautiful panelling and woodwork in the Miller’s Study and the River Room, will be complemented by local food. Pembrokeshire has so many fantastic food producers, from farmers to foragers, that the chefs at Black Pool Mill will be able to create delicious seasonal meals that linger in the memory.