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PONTYCLUN, LLANTRISANT
& TALBOT GREEN
Only five minutes from Junction 34 of the M4,
the village and small town appeal of Pontyclun and
neighbouring Talbot Green and Llantrisant makes
for a worthwhile day out. Here are Vale Life's selection of fantastic shops and businesses that bring real character and charm to the area.
I don't know about you, but at this time of year, treading the pavements of the big Metropolis in the summer heat can become a little wearing. After a while I begin to long for a village where I can just potter and amble about in unhurried fashion.
What's more, any place that has banks and a Post Office in close proximity to independent shops certainly has 'heart'. The bustling and thriving village of Pontyclun can be described as a community with heart. It's hard to believe that this once farm land with only four or five houses grew through the Victorian industrial period to the village it is today.
With easy road access to Cardiff and the Vale, it is served by mainline rail links connecting the village to Cardiff in just 20 minutes and adequate bus routes. The neighbouring villages of Talbot Green and Llantrisant provides locals and visitors alike with a selection of small shops, hairdressers, restaurants and businesses; and the nearby Talbot Green Retail Park caters for all other needs. There is ample parking and this town is the main gateway for buses serving the Valleys, Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff.
A real treat awaits shoppers in the ancient hill town of Llantrisant. It is generally known for its association with the fabled and infamous Dr William Price, who pioneered the legalisation of cremation in the British Isles. Nowadays, Llantrisant is a quirky destination for fashion, interiors, arts and crafts and a fabulous little coffee shop.
Miss P
With brands including Ralph
Lauren, Gant, Joules, Lego, Emile Et
Rose, Sarah Louise, Animal and
many more, it's no wonder that parents head to Miss P on Cowbridge Road in Pontyclun to clothe their children.
From newborn to age sixteen, Miss P can ensure your little ones look unique. Expect to rub shoulders with local celebrities as this boutique is a regular haunt. You can also find a great range of babies shoes, hats and gorgeous accessories. Owner Paula Haley offers a friendly and knowledgeable service which, she confidently believes, is unrivalled elsewhere.
| 14 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun 01443 224477 |
The Delicatessen
If you're passionate about food then the friendly charm of Jayne Watts and her team will have you returning to The Delicatessen for more. That and their courtyard café serving tea and coffee from beautiful china cups.
It's an obvious partnership that complements their existing offering of delicious homemade quiches and cakes, continental meats, antipasti, local eggs, cheeses from Wales and beyond, artisan bread and groceries typical of a Deli of this quality. They're a one-stop shop for tempting treats and culinary staples that would grace any kitchen, dinner party, picnic or lunch.
| 24 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun 01443 225579 |
Pink Zebra
This gorgeously girly boutique
perched atop the hill in Llantrisant
is a destination not to be missed.
Owner Sam Reed's success lies in the colourful, eclectic and affordable range of handbags, jewellery and stylish clothing. It's the perfect place for fun, funky pieces. With the popular Yankee Candles and Big Baby acrylic jewellery, you'd be hard pressed not to find something for every budget and taste. Stockists of Darling, Desigual, Uttam and Yumi this is clothing at its feminine best. Also, the hot trend for component jewellery means you'll find Balala Beads to create unique customised bracelets.
Francis-Trowe solicitors
Established almost ten years, Francis-Trowe Solicitors consists of Helen, her partner, Alan Havard Jones, and support staff. Helen has been qualified for twenty three years and has worked for nineteen of those in Talbot Green. Alan has been qualified thirty five years, thirty four of those in Talbot Green. With such a long history in the village, it's no wonder that they know the area and clients so well.
As well as providing Wills and Probate Services they have a large Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Practice. Helen specialises in acting for developers on acquiring land and the sale of new build properties.
Clients come from all parts of South Wales and further afield. Some clients work in the Talbot Green area and choose to instruct solicitors closer to their work place rather than their home for the sake of convenience.
They also have clients from other parts of the country which currently include as far afield as London, Devon and North Yorkshire.
"Clients come to us for our expertise as all files are dealt with by a Partner - they appreciate our friendly, approachable service. Both Alan and I have many years experience acting for clients in the area and a large number of our clients are repeat business and recommendation which both of us take as a compliment.
When I decided to set up my own Practice it had to be Talbot Green as it would have been a wrench to leave the area," says Helen. "The village has a great sense of community, with friendly people and the Talbot Green Retail Park is such an asset. It has put Talbot Green on the map. I tend to have short lunch breaks but I often visit the Learning Curve Café next door for lunch as they're friendly and efficient and their food and garden area are lovely."
Helen is hearing impaired and to assist Helen and any clients who visit the office, a loop system has been installed in the office.
Francis-Trowe Solicitors
56 Talbot Road
Talbot Green CF72 8AF
01443 231555 |
John Hughes Butchers
It's clear to see why John Hughes Butchers attracts customers both locally and as far afield as Swansea, Brecon, Cowbridge and Barry.
With its fine selection of cooked meats, homemade pies, pasties, faggots and award winning sausages (the latter made by Lewis Padden for the last eight years), John and his five members of staff are equally well known for their personal service and happy banter that's served along with his locally sourced produce.
A genuine, old fashioned family butchers which is a real find and well worth travelling for.
31 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun
01443 225225 |
The Art Workshop
It's definitely worth taking a walk to the end of Lanelay Road in Talbot Green or you'll miss a real treat.
A specialist picture framing service, they also sell ready-made frames, cut mounts, original paintings and home interior gifts. With over ten years experience in the framing industry, Hayley discusses room colour and gives design advice. The artworks you'll see in the shop are created by Hayley and are inspired by Welsh landscapes as are many of the home interior gifts which make unusual and very desirable gift ideas.
The Flower Pot
If you're looking for a florist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the business, look no further.
Owner Lynda and her team (Louise and Sue) are bursting with creativity and can create bouquets and displays to suit all tastes and budgets and for any occasion including parties and weddings. They are in-house florists to Canada Lodge and also supply to a number of hotels including nearby Vale Hotel. Customers come from near and even abroad - their reputation extends that far! Their creativity doesn't stop at floristry as they also design bespoke fascinators for special occasions.
Design Inspiration
If your home needs a little TLC this
summer, we have just the thing for
you. Design Inspiration, situated on
the fringes of Pontyclun, can offer
you a first class design service from
their extensive range of designer
products, found in their gorgeous
showroom.
Well worth a trip to find that something
different, the beautifully displayed
showroom offers an unrivalled range of
unusual gift ideas, including jewellery,
handbags and products for the home.
Free gift-wrap service also available.
Teamed with this, the owners, Wendy
and Rose, offer a professional design
service and beautifully made bespoke
soft furnishings, with wall coverings,
paints, flooring, lighting, furniture,
and accessories.
Over thirty five years of experience
ensures that each client has a unique
scheme tailored to them, their home,
and their budget.
Design Inspiration provide attention to
detail, quality and customer satisfaction
is guaranteed, which is why clients
return for their next design project and
are pleased to recommend the service
to friends and family. It really is a onestop
shop to furnish the whole home.
Designer Discount Sale
The 'Designer Discount Sale' will run from 17th July to 28th August 2010. Save up to 20% on Fabrics & Blinds.
Just Because Coffee
There's a new buzz in Pontyclun with the arrival of a brand new, fun and exciting addition to Just Because Coffee Shop.
Owner Lisa Samuel has introduced a fun area at the rear of the shop for boys and girls of all ages. Crafty Kids offers an exciting range of 'make it yourself' crafts including porcelain painting, textiles and bags, wood painting and decorating, jewellery making and much more. A new menu of sandwiches, paninis, jackets, soups, salads, scrumptious cakes and daily specials are available, all using fresh and local ingredients. Just Because also offers buffets, parties and working lunches.
15 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun
01443 449539 |
Castle Cloaks Bridalwear
The bustling village of Pontyclun is
home to this family-run business.
It has grown steadily from its roots
of providing custom made cloaks
and stoles into a boutique selling
stunning dresses for brides,
bridesmaids and prom queens.
Owner Sally Davies is mindful of the
needs of busy people. To this end she
offers out of hours evening and
weekend appointments for customers
who prefer an exclusive, unhurried
shopping experience. Stocking a range
of jewellery, tiaras and shoes, this is a
one-stop shop for all your bridal needs.
Men need not feel excluded as a dinner
suit hire service is available.
Appletree Kitchens
For a traditional or contemporary kitchen for your home, visit Appletree Kitchens, Cowbridge Rd.
Their promotional message is 'Where Quality and Service Matter' and this is evident from the welcome you receive. From sleek contemporary to traditional wood, there's plenty of choice in this well planned and immaculate show room. The company offers a free measuring and design service, a huge selection of styles and designs, excellent choice of appliances, complete fitting service, full deposit and insurance protection with value for money pricing. Call in today to discuss your new kitchen requirements.
Superior Travel
Talbot Green is an up and coming
area with new, quality businesses.
One such new business is Superior
Travel on Talbot Road.
Since its recent opening, the response
has been fantastic with bookings being
made every day. Their unique concept
of displaying over 150 live availability
offers in-store, including long and shorthaul
holidays, flights, city and short
breaks, UK and abroad coach holidays,
theatre trips and cruises - it's easy to understand why. Call in to Superior Travel and leave your well earned holiday arrangements in their very capable hands.
Charizma
Owner Helen Button opened this
unisex hair salon twelve years ago
and, with her team of nine, offers a
truly unique service in their large,
modern salon.
With up to date styles, they can also
offer New Human hair extensions,
fashion piercing, Creative Nail
extensions, chemical straightening,
waxing, fillers and beauty treatments.
You'll also find a private new bridal suite offering bucks fizz and canapés, cut and styling to would be brides and their guests. The party's make-up artist can also be invited to complete the offering. Charizma proudly believe that this service is unique to the area.
11 Llantrisant Road, Pontyclun
01443 228484 |
Free to Explore Beauty
Boasting award-winning products such as La Clarée, Zoya and Lavera, indulge your body and mind at the specialist Organic and Natural Salon, Free to Explore Beauty.
Owner Miriam Holcombe and her team have personally selected the products for their ingredients, performance and eco status. So if you're after a wrinkle-diminishing moisturiser or a blissful aromatic facial you can be assured of quality. Step out this summer with a perfect, natural looking tan using their paraben-free Sienna X products and complete the look with a juicy coloured nail polish.
Giles Gallery
Run by talented local artist Beth
Giles and her mother Sheila, this
great little gallery exhibits,
promotes and sells the work of
new and local artists from around
South Wales and the Midlands.
Media includes paintings, sketches,
jewellery, ceramics, metal, woodwork
and textiles. The gallery also boasts a
very large and wide range of art and
craft materials, from beginners starter
packs, to specific niche items. An art
gallery as well as a venue for art classes,
Giles Gallery holds a range of weekly
events, including an art club and life
drawing classes as well as taking
bookings for other art and craft courses.
Giles Gallery are currently holding an
exhibition by artist Paul Crow, 'Return of the Poppy man', and will be hosting the local photographic club exhibition in September, as well as a Giles Gallery students class exhibition later this year in September.
They are also planning to have a 'preloved books' sale for a week in August. Please phone for more details.
Additionally, they have some great half price deals on Windsor and Newton supplies and lamp glass charm bracelets. Giles Gallery are currently the only outlet for popular local Rhondda artist, Elwyn Thomas, with some beautiful new original work by the artist, as well as limited edition prints.
1 Cerdin Avenue, Pontyclun
01443 228638 |
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