25 June 2011Last updated at 13:21

In pictures: The Gull and Leek, Flat Holm's new pub

The island of Flat Holm, a few miles off the south Wales coast, has opened its first pub since the early 1900s. Pictures: Andy Gourlay

Visitors to Flat Holm arrive at the island's jetty on Lewis Alexander, the Flat Holm Project's custom-made boat.

The island is a nature reserve, and has four buildings, including this old farmhouse, which can sleep up to 24 people

The hustle and bustle of Cardiff is only a few miles away across the Bristol Channel from the tranquillity of Flat Holm

Nine big guns were installed on the island in the 1860s after it was designated part of a coastal defence system for the Bristol Channel.

While Flat Holm is in Wales, its neighbouring island, Steep Holm is in England

Wild leeks can be seen growing on Flat Holm throughout the year

Gulls noisily make their presence felt on the island. Here, one stakes a claim to the memorial to Marconi, who sent the first wireless message to Lavernock Point in 1897.

The lighthouse was initially lit by a coal-fired brazier in 1737, but since 1997 it has run on solar power.

Part of the 1860s-built barracks has been converted into The Gull and Leek pub

Pint in hand, Cardiff lord mayor Delme Bowen officially declares the pub open

Flat Holm manager Natalie Taylor says developing the pub has cost very little

Wales

In pictures: The Gull and Leek, Flat Holm's new pub

Share this page

Services

About BBC News