DELICIOUS DELI’S

I love Christmas. I love the lights, the trimmings, I love the fact that I can spend time with the family and for two weeks of the year, I try to turn my phone off. It never works mind you!

The other thing I love about Christmas is visiting my local delicatessen. I like to get a selection of cold meats because someone’s always stopping by and it’s nice to be able to rustle up a tasty sandwich which doesn’t involve turkey. Not forgetting those yummy mince pies to go with a nice glass of sherry or cup of tea.

The other thing I like about a real delicatessen is that it brings good old fashioned charm to any high street. It’s a place where you’re likely to meet a neighbour or bump into a friend you haven’t seen for a while. It’s a much more relaxed shopping experience and you can usually find something unusual to add to your basket.

In this issue we feature five of the best from across the Vale and find out what they’ve got in store for us for the festive season. If you’re wondering why Farthings at Home isn’t included, it’s because owner Natalie has sold both the deli and Farthings restaurant. I spoke to Natalie recently and she said that she’s had ten wonderful years in Cowbridge with both businesses but after recently getting married, felt it was time for a change in her career.

Thankfully, Natalie isn’t moving out of the area and Vale Life would like to wish her and her husband the very best for the future. I’m sure that the new owners will carry on the tradition of high quality and excellent service.

Foxy’s Deli
7 Royal Buildings, Victoria Rd, Penarth
029 2025 1666



Choose from their great selection of cheeses, charcuterie, handmade cakes and a whole host of produce from the burgeoning shelves. It ’s easy to see why Foxy’s has won so many accolades including Best Deli in Wales by Observer readers, a listing in Rick Stein’s food heroes and recognition for joint-owner Sian as Vale of Glamorgan Business Woman of the Year.

Not surprisingly, orders are already coming in thick and fast for Foxy’s famous hampers, carefully tailored to meet individual needs and budget. Don’t leave it too late to place your order.

FAMOUS AT CHRISTMAS FOR...
■ Christmas hampers
■ Family friendly café with kids’ specials
■ Yummy home-made cakes
■ The option of being served in Welsh

WHAT WE LIKED...
The ever changing list of specials and produce you can’t get in supermarkets.



“A family oriented café/deli and the chance of rubbing shoulders with local celebs.”
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Food for Thought
12 High Street, Barry
01446 735711



This family run deli is well loved by regular customers, and for good reason. Owner Dave Keeble, wife Linda, son Nathan and daughter-in-law Sarah pride themselves on ensuring visitors have a wonderful array of gifts and produce to choose from. Food for Thought has a reputation for fabulous lunchtime baguettes (my favourite is chicken tikka), home-made pasties and homemade coleslaw. Plus a superb range of cakes. They’re already taking orders for Christmas so, as they say, book early to avoid disappointment… and the mince pies, you have to try the mince pies – scrummy!

“Open from 7am, six days a week and does all the things a good deli should - extremely well.”



FAMOUS AT CHRISTMAS FOR...
■ Beautiful German advent calendars and confectionery
■ Dave’s gorgeous cooked hams
■ Home-made mince pies

WHAT WE LIKED...
Friendly festive service - always smiling and nothing is too much trouble.
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The Delicatessen
24 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun
01443 225579

“The Delicatessen offer gift boxes and Christmas hampers tailored to taste and budget.”



The Delicatessen celebrates its first Christmas and what a start its been. With even more in store as we head into the festive season The Delicatessen will be open on Mondays from November 2nd. They’re already taking orders for gift boxes and Christmas hampers which can be tailored to taste and budget. Also on offer is a good selection of hams, meats and cheeses (not to mention their famous scotch eggs). If you’re already a fan of the quiches and desserts then it’s only going to get better for you. Jayne will also be offering gift vouchers so you can share a little of The Deli joy with friends and loved ones.



FAMOUS AT CHRISTMAS FOR...
■ Additive free home-made freezer meals
■ Home-made Christmas cakes
■ Fresh coffee beans (ground to order)
■ Did we mention the desserts? WOW!

WHAT WE LIKED...
The fabulous home-made cakes.
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The Wild Blackberry
5 Elm Grove Road, Dinas Powys
029 2051 5509



Situated in the old village, this charming deli is a great place to relax with an excellent cup of fresh Italian coffee or warming hot chocolate. A wide range of freshly prepared salads, baguettes, sandwiches, wraps and panini are available to eat in or take away, as are jacket potatoes and delicious homemade soup. Organic bread, milk, eggs and Carmarthenshire ham are on sale here. Many delights for Christmas can be found, including stuffed olives, stuffed baby peppers, cheeses, pickles, preserves and Patchwork Pates. Here you can get personalised Christmas hampers suited to your budget, which make great presents for food lovers.

FAMOUS AT CHRISTMAS FOR...
■ Excellent cup of fresh coffee
■ Friendly atmosphere, great service
■ Quaint and charming surroundings
■ Wide range of good quality produce



WHAT WE LIKED...
Warm mince pies and great service.

“A family business with a friendly atmosphere, specialising in Italian Lavazza coffee.”
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Home and Colonial
64 John Street, Porthcawl
01656 773793



For those who have strolled through the high street in Porthcawl on a sunny Autumn day, you will not have failed to notice the freshly cooking Welsh Cakes of Home & Colonial sizzling in the window! For Christmas this year the shop is expecting a busy time and has come up with a new and canny way of offering made to measure food parcels. H&C will be offering clever ‘Platter Boxes’ made to order exclusively for customers over the Christmas period. Each sealed box looks as pretty as a picture and has a pull out tray filled with your food goodies. Alternatively you can order a glorious hamper stuffed full of chutneys, preserves and treats to die for.

FAMOUS AT CHRISTMAS FOR...
■ Clever ‘Platter Boxes’
■ Special Christmas Cheeses
■ Hand-made cakes and gateaux
■ Award winning preserves/chutneys

WHAT WE LIKED...
Freshly baked olive breads (served hot).



“Join our Savers Club at Home and Colonial and save money this Christmas!”