Whether you’re planning some Christmas shopping, treating yourself to a meal, or just enjoying some retail therapy, there are plenty of independents based in Newport city centre that could use your support.
Why shop local?
There are plenty of reasons. Money spent stays in the community and benefits local businesses, schools, and charities. It shows support to local entrepreneurs (and often means better quality service than that of big corporations) and is especially important this time of year as Christmas is approaching and families need money to ensure they can have presents, meals, fun days out, and more.
Join us on a journey through the A-B-C of just some of the excellent Newport city centre indies which could use some love on Small Business Saturday…
A G MEEK
The choice is always unique at A G Meek. The independent shoe retailer has a handful of independent stores in Wales (and Gloucester) including on Llanarth Street, Newport. Established for more than a century, A G Meek offer top fashion brands including Kickers, Skechers, Timberland plus more feminine shoes including Rieker, Tamaris, Marco Tozzi, Hotter and Van Dal. Let’s not forget accessories, as A G Meek specialises in matching shoes and handbags with lovely ranges from Ruby Shoo, Lunar, and Lotus. The Newport store also offers shoe repairs, key cutting, engraving, watch batteries and straps.
agmeek.co.uk
BUBBLE TROUBLE
For ‘tea like you’ve never tasted before’ visit Newport’s first bubble tea place: Bubble Trouble at Kingsway shopping centre. The independent venue, established in 2018, offers a variety of bubbly drink options for every taste (with love and passion put into every order). Bubble Trouble has an impressive variety of bubble tea, including popular pineapple, along with mango, grape, cherry, kiwi, and many more. There’s also bubble slush (if you’re willing to brave the cold in these cooler winter months) and the ‘bubble milk’ range which includes fan favourite strawberry milk and plenty more including matcha green, tiramisu coffee, coconut milk, and more. You can order online for collection, or in-store, with plans in the pipeline for home delivery.
thebubbletrouble.co.uk
CITY TREASURES
City Treasures (formerly Times Past on Commercial Street) can now be found towards the rear of Newport Market and offers a wide range of amazing things to buy, including collectables. It’s run by a family of friendly faces who will share their insight (and enjoy a natter) and owner be Claire who says ‘people are always amazed by how much choice we have in the shop’ adding that it’s ‘lovely to see old and new faces’ at City Treasures. The business specialises in preloved gold and silver jewellery which is bought and sold, great for gifts, while there’s also an abundance of collection of scaled miniatures from big names including Hornby, Bachmann, Matchbox, and more. Plus, there’s unique military memorabilia and coins; for something a little more niche this Christmas (or any time of year) City Treasures has you covered.
city-treasures.co.uk
DELICIOUS DELIGHTS
’Tis the season to treat yourself, and Delicious Delights, in Kingsway shopping centre, offers a destination where you can do just that (while supporting a local family business). Delicious Delights sells a superb selection of fresh cakes, bakes, and goodies that will satisfy any sweet tooth – and you’re guaranteed service with a smile. Having set up shop within Kingsway at the start of the year, the treats have already been hit with a public, and have earned the top food hygiene rating for their excellent goodies! With plenty of variety and flavour Delicious Delights is one to look out for – on Facebook or when in the city centre.
Find ‘Delicious Delights Newport’ on Facebook.
EURO GALLERY
Another brilliant business based at the iconic Kingsway shopping centre is Euro Gallery which brings ‘beautiful artwork to homes around the country’. It aims to offer a ‘wide variety’ of bespoke and unique artwork, with a focus on quality and sustainability on every piece stocked at Euro Gallery. Whether you’re sprucing up some bare walls in your home or gifting someone artwork, you can rest assured that everything has been meticulously analysed and carefully prepared from start to finish. Why not pop in and see the stunning selection on display at Euro Gallery? Along with products, Euro Gallery boasts a team of experts offering a range of services including photo restoration, framing, graphic design, shirt printing and more. It’s the perfect place to get something a little more personal this Christmas (or any time of year).
eurogallery.uk
FOXXY’S EMPORIUM
Of course, Foxxy’s Emporium, based at Friars Walk, has earned a spot on this list. It’s truly a haven of crafts and unique wares to suit a variety of tastes which makes it perfect for some gift shopping. With an ever-changing supply of locally crafted and handmade goods and homeware it’s a great stop if you’re looking for something a little different or more personal. You’ll always receive a warm welcome and be greeted by a friendly face when visiting (and why not explore the rest of the shopping centre while you’re there?).
Find ‘Foxxy’s Emporium’ on Facebook.
GALLERY 57
Gallery 57 – part of Chartist Tower on Upper Dock Street – is a lovely gallery and shop which celebrates and showcases the rich creative scene within Newport. It’s worthwhile a visit at any time of the year as it boasts an eclectic range of changing artwork, while the festive season is a fantastic opportunity to pop in and get something truly special and unique for loved ones this Christmas. Gallery 57 offers art, prints, ceramics, cards, textiles, jewellery and much more while celebrating the local art scene and creative folk (including at the annual Art on the Hill festival). You can keep an eye on Gallery 57’s social media for updates, new stock, workshops, and much more – or just pop in and you’ll receive a warm welcome.
facebook.com/Galllery57
HEART OF THE HOME
Heart of the Home is a homeware, cookware and gift shop based at Newport Arcade which has been thriving since opening in 2019. The business is owned and run by Lesley who, having worked at Wildings in the city for 16 years before it closed, knows her stuff and is able to pass on her wealth of knowledge to all who walk through the doors. Heart of the Home allows people to support a small local business and tick off items on their list. Gift options are endless with candles, Welsh cards, local produce, hampers and more. Plus, there’s plenty of homeware for those wanting to spruce up their house ahead of Christmas Day and the New Year celebrations.
facebook.com/Heartofthehomecookware
INDIES
There’s plenty of independent businesses in Newport city centre (and beyond) which could use your support when possible. While this alphabet offers some insight and suggestions it’s not an exhaustive list of the impressive array of options in Newport and across South Wales. If you know an indie business that could use some love this festive season, why not pop in for a purchase or share some of their social media posts? There’s plenty of love to share!
JAMIESON’S JUICE FACTORY
Jamieson’s Juice Factory (Jjf) is based at Newport Market. The family-run business has proven popular since opening its doors with a genuine focus on health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Owners Eugene and Natasha went on their own health journey and discovered the benefits of juicing, vegan nutrition, and herbalism. They can now share their advice (and delicious products) with visitors to help them consume in a healthier way. Products at Jjf includes organic juice and smoothies, vegan deli options, natural supplements, herbal tea and more. For those on the go this Shop Local Saturday (or any day of the week bar Mondays) visit Jjf to enjoy a boost for your body and mind.
facebook.com/jamiesonsjuicefactorynpt22
KRIMINAL RECORDS
There’s plenty of perfect purchases for any music lover at Kriminal Records, which is currently based at Newport Arcade, having formerly been based at Market Arcade and Newport Market. The business is well-established with owner Dean – a huge music fan himself and an advocate for shop local – on hand to chat, answer questions you may have, and ensure you leave with a smile on your face (and hopefully some top-notch records to gift or to blast yourself). Find ‘Kriminal Records’ on Facebook.
LUCKY LEAF BATH BOMBS
What better way to unwind than with a nice, hot bath? And Lucky Leaf Bath Bombs, based at Kingsway shopping centre, has an abundance of aromatherapy, bath, body and home fragrance. Whether you just need a bit of TLC this winter or want to give the gift of pampering this Christmas, Lucky Leaf Bath Bombs has you covered. The bath bombs and other products are vegan-friendly and made with natural ingredients, packed with recycled materials where possible, meaning you can protect the planet while enjoying (or gifting) some downtime. There are options to mix and match, bundles, gifts sets, a Christmas range and much more.
luckyleafbathbombs.co.uk
MCCANNS
’Tis the season to enjoy a tipple and McCann’s rock ‘n’ ale bar on Newport High Street is a great spot to visit for a few drinks with your nearest and dearest. It’s owned by Amy McCann, who has a background in the pub industry. She worked for her parents at the Hornblower (a former Newport pub which was on Commercial Street) before taking it over. The move to High Street has meant increased footfall, with McCann’s growing in popularity over the past eight years. McCann’s offers a unique atmosphere with rock music (including regular live performances), motorbikes, a welcoming upbeat atmosphere, and a range of drinks and deals. Find ‘McCanns Rock n Ale Bar’ on Facebook.
NEW PASTURES HOME
New Pastures Home, on Commercial Street, is an independent family business which offers candles, crystals, gifts, and more. Along with a genuine and warm atmosphere in the shop there’s an abundance of amazing products to explore at New Pastures Home. You can find plenty of crystals – from jewellery to homeware and more – with staff on hand to offer their expertise on holistic health and the benefits of different crystals. There’s also incense, smudging, and plenty of candles and fragrances, including their Christmas collections, gift bundles, and personalised candles. There’s also a candle making bar towards the back of the store. If you want to gift an experience this Christmas why not invite a friend to come concoct their own fragrance and create their own bespoke candle?
newpastureshome.co.uk
OSTUNI
Ostuni is based at Newport Market and is family-run business offering delicious and fresh food and cakes inspired by the family’s Italian roots. It’s a perfect pit stop for someone wanting a tasty treat, with an array of fresh food including cake and gelato. If you’re visiting it’s worth checking out some of the other amazing independent stalls and food venues based at this iconic market.
PURE PETS NEWPORT
Christmas is a time of celebration for animals too, and Pure Pets if an independent family run pet shop which can help you do just that. The business, at Newport Market, is focused on a mission to offer pet parents better and healthier options and browse a wide range of high-quality pet supplies at affordable prices. Dedicated to helping you provide the best care for your pets, Pure Pets offers food, treats, toys, accessories and more for an array of animals.
purepetsnewport.co.uk
QUARTERS COFFEE
Quarters Coffee is a dog and family friendly café on Millennium Walk offering speciality coffee, locally-sourced food, and great beer. Conveniently located not far from the city centre, and fairly close to Rodney Parade, Quarters Coffee is often packed when there’s a big game on, with the option to dine-in or go outside when the weather is favourable.
facebook.com/quarterscoffee
ROGUE WELSH CAKES
There are sweet treats aplenty in Newport city centre, and Rogue Welsh Cakes based at Newport Market is another indicator of this. The independent business offers Welsh cakes with a twist, offering unique flavours with the same freshness (and yumminess) expected in these wonderful little cakes. For those with a sweet tooth there’s chocolate orange, chocolate and salted caramel, white choc with cranberry, to name a few. There’s also savoury options including vegan peanut butter and goat’s cheese with caramelised onion. Rogue Welsh Cakes even offers monthly and fortnightly subscriptions for those wanting their regular fix.
roguewelshcakes.com
SECRETS OF CYMRU
Secrets of Cymru is based at Kingsway shopping centre and helps promote and sell a range of impressive products from Welsh artisan food and drink producers. With a wide range of mostly homemade products, this is a must-visit during the festive season. There’s even award-winning producers and products which boast the coveted Great Taste Award. Secrets of Cymru is truly a celebration of locality and independent businesses – check it out!
facebook.com/p/Secrets-ofCymru-61556969842759
THE TICKLED TROUT
The Tickled Trout has been making waves in Newport’s food and drink scene, with the beautiful building, on Market Street, offering a relaxing environment to tuck into tapas, including Sunday tapas, which are perfect for celebrating the festive season. Available on Sundays only (12pm to 6pm) there are tapas, roast platters, and topped roasties. The Tickled Trout also has a selection of tapas on offer throughout the week, plus bottomless brunches and other events.
facebook.com/tickledtroutnewport
UR BUSINESS?
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VACARA’S
Vacara’s is a well-known chippy in Newport city centre. Many people will have nostalgia of their younger years heading to Llanarth Street for a cone of chips (although it wasn’t always based in this part of Newport). It was established by the Vacara family in 1888 and offers all the dishes you’d expect from a traditional chippy such as battered cod, saveloy sausages, curry sauce, and more. Vacara’s has a restaurant area so you can dine-in, while there’s options to takeaway or call the venue to enquire about collection.
01633 841038
WHOCULT
Doughnut get us started on how much we love WhoCult Coffee + Donuts, which has a wonderful stall at Newport Market. The independent business offers deliciously indulgent donuts to suit all tastes (but if you need to ask the calorie count then these aren’t for you) along with fresh, fine coffee. This is the perfect little boost for your shopping missions, or there’s gift boxes, merchandise and much more available.
whocult.com
XCLUSIVE JEWELLERS
Xclusive Jewellers is also well established, having first opened in 1987. Owner Annette Farmer says she takes pride in her “skills and ability to turn a raw piece of material into something valuable and beautiful than that can be treasured through generations” and in providing outstanding customer service. Along with offering beautiful jewellery Xclusive Jewellers can offer repairs, cleaning, and valuations.
xclusivejewellery.co.uk
YE OLDE MURENGER HOUSE
Ye Olde Murrenger House is one of the oldest and cosiest pubs in Newport and is well worth a visit. While this pub is owned by Samuel Smith Brewery it still boasts a local, friendly feeling and offers a variety of beverages while hosting numerous events.
ZERO DEGREES BARBER
Wanting to look sharp this festive season? Zero Degrees Barber, at Newport Arcade, offers haircare for men. Sit back, relax, and experience the ‘world class’ act of grooming in a relaxing atmosphere…
This feature originally appeared in our December 2024 edition of Voice.
