Haven Fish Cafe, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire

A no smoking Haven…
…at Milford’s Fish Cafe

What better than a plate of good old fashioned fish and chips once in a while? Ian Milsom & Anne Braithwaite from Milford Haven are certainly fans of this British staple as the managers of the Haven Fish Café in the centre of Pembrokeshire’s main port town.

Ian & Anne not only guarantee a delicious meal time and time again but one that is also smoke free. They introduced a voluntary smoking ban twelve months ago. Today, the only smells wafting in the café are those of mouthwatering salt and vinegar, fresh battered fish and a good dose of fresh sea air. With the hustle and bustle of the busy Milford Docks, fishermen, oil industry workers, locals and seaside visitors all pour into his cafe to savour every mouthful at this smoke free establishment.

Managing the business for the last three years and being aware that the smoking ban was on the horizon, Ian & Anne decided to put matters into their own hands and implement a smoke free policy. They urge other businesses to do the same - clear the air and give an early welcome to the ban.

Ian said “I’d say to anyone who is thinking about going smoke free before next April, to just do it! It certainly hasn’t affected my business; things have been much better here, not only for the business, but also for our customers and staff.

“When we first banned smoking [before the ban came in to force], we’d get the odd remark, but overall our customers have accepted it. Like everything else it takes time to adapt".

“I went to Ireland recently and it was an absolute joy to be able to sit in a pub and not be surrounded by second hand smoke. ”