There's always something happening in the historic market town of Cowbridge. What is truly lovely is the energy and warmth of community spirit that makes this somewhere you want to spend time.
COWBRIDGE
Whether it's the traditional values of good, honest customer service, the charm and appeal of the period architecture or the twice monthly Farmers' Market, one thing is sure, Cowbridge has a rare quality that is sadly lacking in big cities.
Some people believe that Cowbridge is aspirational, but really it has something for everyone and embraces visitors and locals alike. Shopping and eating is a big focus, but a little known point of interest is the tranquil and stunning Physic Garden which provides sanctuary to weary shoppers, garden lovers and workers.
People with insufficient time in the week can take heart, as shops will open every Sunday from 19th September - an additional service that is welcomed and supported by anyone wanting to get out of the city madness.
The autumn and winter months see Cowbridge at its best and the town is already buzzing in anticipation of forthcoming events. First off is a classical music event from 15th October, followed by the popular Cowbridge Fashion Week, with main fashion events running from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd October.
Culinary experts will be on hand for the weekend 29th to 31st October for the now famous Food and Drink Festival which provides food lovers with a host of produce and delicious goodies to sample. The town comes alive on the last Sunday of November for the magical Reindeer and Santa event, with families and children getting into the Christmas spirit.
This is closely followed by a late night shopping extravaganza on 2nd December when retailers will be offering discounts, drinks and nibbles by candlelight, all to the sound of a choir. Excited? Look out for details in town or visit the website. www.cowbridge.co.uk
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Bar 44
Bar 44 has to be one of the most vibrant eateries in Cowbridge's High Street and if you've not been there before, then it really should be on your list of 'must do's' this autumn.
Bar 44 aims to please every day, whether you are looking for an unhurried morning with an Illy cappuccino and homemade cake, a hearty build-your-own breakfast, a lunchtime snack and glass of wine, or an exceptional night of tapas and cocktails with friends. Book now for Christmas Parties in their private Jack Daniels Lounge which caters for up to 30 seated or 50 for cocktails.
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Xantippe
Home and garden blend seamlessly into one gorgeous and inspirational living space at Xantippe.
As suppliers of authentic French and French-style furniture, the shop is an oasis of calming, chic style. Muted, cool shades of grey and beige with splashes of vibrant colour are the themes this autumn. There's always a smile to greet you and a willingness to help. Choose from a variety of restored and handpainted furniture, ornate mirrors, baskets, glassware, fragrant soaps, trinkets and an abundance of cheerful gifts for home. Green-fingers will delight in an array of pots and colourful steel patio furniture.
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Havard and Havard
Two floors and a courtyard garden provide antiques lovers with the best in 18th and 19th century Welsh country furniture. Havard & Havard source authentic pieces with a sense of place and history.
Owners Christine and Philip Havard are LAPADA and CINOA members which guarantees customers the best in art and antique dealership and both shop and website have become a destination of choice to visitors from the Vale and worldwide. A selection of smaller items, work by local artists and a range of Welsh textiles by well-known Cefyn Burgess are available.
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HIGH STREET
The Quarter Penny Café
In Vale Life's launch issue we talked to Natalie, formerly the owner of Farthings Restaurant and a wellknown and respected member of the Cowbridge community. Fast forward three years and we find much has changed.
Firstly, Natalie has re-married, to Justin, and has benefited enormously from the short sabbatical she took from her previous ownership of Farthings; secondly the word is out that due to popular demand and her unwavering passion for work that she's back at the helm - but not as we know it.
Previously loyal customers of Natalie will be thrilled to know that her new venture will resume at the old restaurant site at 54 High Street in early October, under the new name of The Quarter Penny Café. Natalie and Justin aim to provide a cosy, friendly eating and meeting place for customers old and new. The emphasis will be on providing unfussy, home-cooked food in a welcoming environment where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
They will open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm, offering an all embracing menu with all-day breakfasts, light bites, drinks, children's meals and a choice of hearty main courses, daily specials and delicious home-made desserts.
A takeaway service will be available on many of the menu items and they are thrilled to be reintroducing their legendary French Dressing, often imitated but never bettered, as the recipe remains the secret of Claire, their pastry chef. Additionally, a range of ready-to-cook meals will be available for customers to take home, for those moments when time is precious. Capitalising on her background in catering and food consultancy, they will offer a bespoke party and catering service both on and off the premises.
The Quarter Penny Café will be available for hire in the evening for milestone celebrations with friends and family or business meetings where privacy is assured. Anything from sumptuous five course dinners to a simple finger buffet can be provided.
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The Linen Cupboard
Gifts galore and nostalgic loveliness greet you at The Linen Cupboard, situated in Penny Lane. Owner Melanie James stocks this season's Cath Kidson day bags and purses, a range of haber dashery items, a collection of Lexington bedspreads, Jan Constantine cushions and more.
Recent additions are the unique vintage, hand-painted and hand-finished furniture which Melanie describes as "a delight"; whilst ever popular Danish brand Maileg offers toys and treats for the little ones. If you're stuck for choice then ponder over a good oldfashioned cuppa in the little Tea Shop.
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Ushi's
Anyone visiting Cowbridge this season will adore Ushi's two floors of beautiful fashion clothing, homeware accessories and gifts.
This autumn heralds the fabulous and desirable range of Italian clothing by Elisa Cavaletti, previously unseen in the UK, as well as firm favourite Lauren Vidal and a selection of handbags, jewellery, shoes, scarves and fashion accessories. As the colder nights draw in, home is where the heart is, so visit Ushi's for their new premier range of cushions, striking standalone feature pieces such as lamps, pictures and bowls crafted from seaweed. Now is the time to write your Christmas wish list.
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Goose Island
Goose Island is a clothing mecca for anyone who loves exotic climes, bold colours, feminine details and the thrill of eastern bazaars.
Owner, Karen Hutchings ensures her stock is manufactured and sourced under Fairtrade conditions from workshops and cottage industries in Bali, India and the east. Her passion is to bring us the best of eastern style. Get that 'all year round' holiday feel with their beautiful selection of kaftans and jewellery; and achieve this season's twist on urban bo-ho chic with the arrival of fashionable autumn/winter stock such as dresses, knitwear, coats, bags, scarves and much more.
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The Bear
Everyone loves a party and The Bear Hotel has grown in status as the first choice for weddings, gatherings and events. This Christmas is no exception, as fun, festive nights are promised here and the mood will be infectious and atmospheric, as you would expect from a place of such character.
By popular demand the now famous tribute nights of Abba and the Rat Pack are back. I challenge you to not want to sing along. If disco is more your thing, then The Bear's disco party nights of excellent entertainment and delicious three course party menu are sure to be a big hit.
If you've enjoyed a festive tipple or two, why not forget the taxi and stay in one of the comfortable, well appointed bedrooms and make your evening one to truly remember.
The Bear is also a great meeting place for anyone wanting home-cooked food, ale, a local friendly atmosphere, cosy log fires and Christmas cheer.
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Etcetera
Etcetera is literally a boutique for bags. This season you will be greeted with a riot of colour from red to violet, cerise to purple, tan and burnt orange. Fans of classic black and brown should fear not as you are well catered for too.
With leading designer brands such as Mulberry, Tula and Radley you know you've come to a place of quality. New this autumn is a range from Hugo Boss and the latest statement pieces from Lulu Guinness and Vivienne Westwood. Accessories for men and women such as umbrellas, wallets, cufflinks purses and briefcases are available.
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Johnsons The Goldsmiths
Johnsons is a family run jewellery business established for over 20 years. Keen to respond to the changing needs of their customers, new brands, glassware and jewellery have been introduced, as well as classic timeless pieces such as Clogau Gold and Rotary watches.
The new Fine Fragrance department is proving popular with customers, who want a one-stop solution to their gift dilemmas. What could be nicer than opening a box of your favourite perfume, together with a little trinket, such as the Chamilia charms, all beautifully gift-wrapped by the staff?
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Marooned Haircutters
A good haircut should match your personality, lifestyle and budget; a philosophy that Marooned Haircutters live by when working with their clients.
Since opening in Cowbridge twenty years ago, the unisex salon have built up a reputation for creative hairstyling to suit all needs, whether for a regular trim or the perfect party hair. Clients travel from Taunton and Bristol with regular followers from Cardiff and the Vale. Marooned offer everything you would expect from a noteworthy salon, including free consultations and expert colourists.
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Melanie's
Melanie Jones has been providing a regular fan base of clients with face and body treatments since 1990. Situated above Marooned hair salon, you can be assured of Melanie's undivided and individual attention to all your beauty needs.
General maintenance treatments such as waxing, manicures, pedicures and massage ensure top-to-toe grooming; but at the heart of the salon are the Guinot facial treatments, with the star of the show being the Hydradermie facials. They promise smoother, radiantlooking skin and are perfect for an instant 'lift' to prepare and nourish your skin against the winter elements
52a High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AH
01446 774255 |
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Knife and Fork Deli
A gastronomic delight awaits at the Knife & Fork Delicatessen on High Street Cowbridge. Whether you're an avid cook or not, you'll find something to tempt your taste buds.
Food lovers will find store cupboard items, herbs, spices, local Glyndwr wine, boutique ciders and fresh bread and freezer meals. Create your own antipasti platter from the delicious continental and Welsh cheeses, charcuterie, marinated olives, artichokes or peppers. Fresh fish from the Devon coast is delivered on a Friday and the French patisseries, quiches and melt-inthe mouth welshcakes are divine.
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Liquorice Laces
"Tiny growing feet deserve to be treated well", says Nikki Jones, owner of Liquorice Laces. As a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters she offers fabulous footwear and a shoe-fitting service for infants to secondary school children.
It is evident that fashion has not been sacrificed over practicality, as you will find funky European brands such as Ecco, Angulus, Ricosta and the popular Emu Australia. Anyone worried about autumn showers can stay dry in Bergstein wellies, available in soft rubber and in a rainbow of colours - perfect for splashing in puddles.
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Oscars Bar and Grill
Soak up the early autumn sunshine from this pavement-side café while you sip your latte and watch the world go by.
Oscars Bar and Grill is known for its trademark red awning and outdoor seating. In this particular case, you can judge a book by the cover, because indoors is every bit as welcoming and stylish. You can enjoy morning coffee, breakfast and light lunches throughout the autumn and Christmas season, and night time sees the focus change into a cool, sleek cocktail bar and restaurant.
Serving food all day, Oscars is open from 10am to 11pm Monday to Saturday so you can be sure of a delicious snack or meal exactly when you want it; and after a day of ambling in Cowbridge, it provides the perfect retreat for ladies who lunch, business people and families. Juicy steaks, hearty soups, classic Caesar Salad and a selection of seasonal dishes compete for your attention.
It goes without saying, that Christmas party bookings are being taken as we go to press, so reserve your place now.
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No. 81 Interiors
Stepping into No. 81 offers homebodies a chance to update their living space with some truly show-stopping and unique pieces.
Owner Andrew Watts has selected unique design-led furniture and accessories to bring your home alive. The focus is on natural materials such as leather, and responsibly sourced solid wood. His keen eye for detail and classic lines, coupled with his thoroughly likeable nature make a great combination when choosing for your home or office.
Customers are treated like guests, rather than just a number, so giving you a chance to peruse at your leisure. Look for the beautiful Starbay furniture collection, crafted from rosewood. If you're already thinking of Christmas lunch, then the grey oak dining table by Dutch brand Eichholtz will grace any home. The bespoke quirky 'jigsaw' coffee table really should be seen to be believed; it will look fabulous with any bespoke upholstered sofa from No. 81. Other inspirational pieces such as Creazioni mirrors, lighting, the Union Jack TV unit and a series of retro limited edition Hollywood prints add the finishing touches.
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PENNY LANE
River View Chinese Restaurant
I fell in love with my husband over dinner at a Chinese Restaurant and, as a result, I have developed a real romantic soft spot for a good Chinese meal. Nothing makes me want to glam up and go out quite like the thought of being wooed over prawn toast and crispy seaweed! So I jumped at the chance at a night out at the River View Chinese Restaurant in Cowbridge, which is beautifully perched over the river Thaw.
Yes it was a damp Friday night, but I was unstoppable. It was for this reason I booked the table for 8.30pm. Purposely delaying my pleasure; so I wouldn't find myself dining in a quiet and empty restaurant with little or no atmosphere and just whooshing down the food so I could move on which proved not to be the case in this instance as you'll discover when you read on.
The main restaurant is on the second floor, as the first floor is mainly bar and takeaway waiting area so, as we opened the glass door just off the decked outdoor seating area, I was a bit confused as to where to go. I was saved however by the wonderfully warm owner, Neng, who greeted us with a hearty smile and a nod to come upstairs.
As we followed Neng, my husband was completely taken with some of the traditional art work on the stairwell. Clearly the service was exceptional as the evening allowed us to be well attended to, and it wasn't long before we were settled with our menus (and my glass of house white, dry). I always try the house wine in a new restaurant; I must have read somewhere that it gives you the measure of the attention to detail the owner truly has. I wasn't disappointed. I was served a very crisp and apple filled Sauvignon Blanc, which was to cut through the meal and hold its own well, not so harsh that it would burn, but rounded enough to make me want more.
I must point out here that my husband and I have rather healthy appetites and eyes that are always bigger than our bellies (especially in a Chinese restaurant). So when I tell you what we ordered, please think less ill of us!
To start, we decided to share a little each of the classical Lettuce Wrap and a tasty Squid with Chilli and Peppers. The presentation was truly beautiful and I spent the first minute trying to dissect the rather intricate cucumber carving that adorned my squid; which was packed with flavour. Coated in a light but salty batter, the squid was still wonderfully tender and the hand chopped peppers and chilli made my mouth water even more. This was a mere trifle however when compared to the most amazing Lettuce Wrap I have ever had.
We have all had variations of the classic Chinese starter of minced pork, spices and vermicelli in an iceberg cup, I am sure. But this was truly something else. You could clearly tell this had been chopped by hand rather than blended for the sake of convenience. I could distinctly taste each element of the wrap and, while the depth of flavour was a real winner, it was the crunch of the fresh lettuce followed by the exciting interior that really got me chomping.
The main course of Rice, Singapore Noodles, Beef with Black Bean sauce and Ginger, Salt Chilli Prawns followed and I had to try the intriguingly named Three Times Stuffed Delicacy. Anything that said delicacy in here must really mean it! All the dishes were full of spice and flavour, each cooked to perfection and a picture to look at. In fact, it was a nice, safe combination of mushrooms and peppers stuffed with minced pork and tofu, so perhaps a lesson on my part on over-indulgence. Although we ate all that we could, in our defence the portions are incredibly generous, even when we asked for a small portion of rice and noodles, it was still enough to feed three.
As with all Chinese restaurants these days, the dessert menu offered only ice cream and moulded desserts, and a night cap (nothing wrong with that). I however, abstained. The meal overall was outstanding and I will definitely go back to sample the rest of the menu. I am a fussy customer but River View has won me over.
I'm going to have to change my occupation as a result of my visit to River View, to that of Town Crier. "People of Cowbridge get out of your chairs, fill up the streets, the restaurants and bars. Stop watching your tellies and fill up your bellies!"
There's something very enchanting about River View Chinese Restaurant at Christmas time. This year, along with their popular a la carte menu, the restaurant is introducing a pick and mix style of cuisine, offering a mouth watering array of tasty dishes. Following the success of their Chinese New Year festivities, bookings are already being taken for what promises to be an evening of fabulous food and even more fabulous entertainment.
River View Chinese Restaurant
Unit 1, Britannia House
Penny Lane, Cowbridge CF71 7AD
01446 771668
www.riverview668.co.uk |
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EASTGATE
Blushbaby is synonymous with style
Wow, where do you start with Blushbaby in Cowbridge's Eastgate? Let's just say it's a modern boutique for women who love that redcarpet look and designer brands with 'celebrity' edge. There's no doubt that every piece will make you look and feel fabulously feminine and sophisticated.
Whether it's something for a big night out, a special event or a dramatic day piece, then you have come to the right place. Owner Juli Beynon selects brands that are synonymous with style.
Take, for example, her new and most recent brands Red Valentino and Just Cavalli. Anyone familiar with the big names, will appreciate the design detail in these collections.
Red Valentino is a spin-off line from the fashion house Valentino; it is a fresh, playful approach to clothing, offering cute pieces that can be worn with an edge. Roberto Cavalli is a favourite with Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and Beyonce, to name a few; his diffusion line Just Cavalli takes all his usual design elements into range of easy-towear dramatic pieces in luxurious fabrics.
If it's a new pair of jeans to take you through the autumn and winter season, then there's plenty to choose from. Jeans should be sexy, flattering and comfortable - it's a tall order, but with a selection such as True Religion, classic and comfortable fit from J Brand, or the progressive style of Rock and Republic, one thing is for sure - you won't want to take them off.
Eye-catching and iconic leisurewear label e.vil is great for snuggling into this season and Aussie sheepskin boots from Love From Australia are perfect for cosy nights in or out. Conversely, Jovani is the celebrity label to look for if you need a jaw-dropping dress for the festive season. In preparation for your visit to the boutique, check out Blushbaby's website for details of the full range.
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The Market Place
It's that time of year when new seasonal menus and festive parties are on the minds of any discerning chef. The Market Place restaurant, in one of the most historic buildings in Cowbridge is no exception.
Critically acclaimed as serving fresh seasonal food with a modern European twist, you can be assured of gourmet cuisine and a well-stocked wine cellar.
From the moment of arrival, guests are welcomed by courteous, helpful staff who let you relax, while they serve you delicious food with a time honoured excellence and a level of detail that will have you returning again.
Christmas and New Year at the Market Place are magical moments with the sole intention of merry-making, excellent food, convivial company and conversation. With log-fires aglow and the promise of festive cheer for locals and visitors a like you're advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
Celebrations start on Sunday 28th November with roast lunch and the Reindeer Day Parade in Cowbridge.
With so much to say you're best advised to visit their website for more information.
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Room For Living
RoomFor Living are specialists in kitchen and living room design and are conveniently situated near Cowbridge's main car park in Willow Walk. Pop in to find out how they can create designs to reflect your style of home and budget.
Offering leading brands in appliances and units such as Miele and Blanco, yet always on the look out for new and innovative products, you are sure to come away with something truly inspirational for your home. Combine this with great service, free design, hassle-free installation and all your needs will be met.
