Visiting Abergavenny Market & Shopping Local in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

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Following my recent visit to the market town of Usk, join me on a festive visit to Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, working with Visit Monmouthshire to promote the county’s Shop Local campaign and support independent high street retailers and businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

Monmouthshire has a growing reputation as Wales’ foodie capital, and the market town of Abergavenny is at the very centre of the county’s thriving food and drink scene.

The host of the biggest food festival in Wales and one of the biggest in the UK, the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, this bustling market town was recently named one of Condé Nast Travellers’ top 10 places to visit in the UK for 2021.

Home to a broad variety of independent shops and businesses, artisanal restaurants and food producers – not to mention the ruins of a medieval castle (pictured above) – Abergavenny town centre is a real hub for shopping, wining and dining in Abergavenny.

Surrounded by the Brecon Beacons National Park, the town lies against the magnificent backdrop of rolling green hills and valleys, with the Sugar Loaf – the southernmost of the summit peaks of the Black Mountains – visible in the distance. If you’ll be visiting Abergavenny for a longer stay, pack your hiking boots and adventure off into the countryside to discover Abergavenny’s rural side.

In the second blog post I’m writing in partnership with Visit Monmouthshire, working with the tourism team to promote Monmouthshire’s #ShopLocal campaign, I’m paying a visit to Abergavenny, visiting some of the independent shops to pick up some Christmas gifts, and getting to know a few of the local business owners too.

So, what is there to do on a festive trip to Abergavenny? Join me on my journey to find out…

Abergavenny Market

Arriving in Abergavenny in the morning via a 45-minute train journey from Cardiff, I headed straight to the historic Market Hall for the Artisan Market, taking place on the fourth Thursday of each month.

While the number of traders has understandably dropped since the pandemic, it’s great to see so many different kinds of independent local food producers and artists selling their wares in the Market Hall, with everything from hand-knitted clothing, handmade ceramics and framed artwork, to locally produced cheese, baked goods, and high-welfare meat up for grabs.

Here are just a few of the traders you can expect to see at Abergavenny Market…

Meadow Garden Cottage Flowers

Small cut flower grower, Rachel Cooper of Meadow Garden Cottage Flowers had a selection of plants, wreaths, flower bunches and floral decorations for sale.

Linda Wood, Artist

A member of Abergavenny Art Group, Linda Wood paints in oil, acrylic and watercolour and is well-known for her ‘birds on a feather’ artwork, pictured below. She had a selection of paintings available, alongside a range of beautiful handmade coasters, and more.

G&R Tudge

With a family farm based near Ludlow, Shropshire, G&R Tudge rears its pigs outside, leaving them free to roam, dig and live naturally in the great outdoors. The farm also specialises in locally sourced venison.

Monmouth Shepherd

Isabel Coates from Monmouth Shepherd was at Abergavenny Market selling her festive handmade sheep’s milk soaps – which would make excellent stocking fillers – alongside fresh sheep’s cheese.

As much as I love chatting to the market traders and browsing the different produce on sale, however, one of my favourite things about visiting Abergavenny Market is actually being able to see the colourful artwork hanging from the ceiling. Handmade by local artists for the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, the artwork follows a different theme each year.

Abergavenny’s Victorian Market Hall is currently adorned with an Usk Valley Wildlife installation which includes a 4 metre high otter, created by the super-talented local artist Bettina Reeves and her team for this year’s (2021) Abergavenny Food Festival.

What day is Abergavenny Market and what are the market opening times?

Besides the Artisan Market taking place on each fourth Thursday of the month, a General Market is held at Abergavenny Market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am until 5pm.

Meanwhile, a Bric-a-brac/Flea Market takes place in the Market Hall every Wednesday from 6am – 5pm, while a Craft Fair takes place every second Saturday of the month, and an Antiques Fair is held every third Sunday of the month from 9am until 4pm.

Discover more on the Abergavenny Now website.

Can dogs go in Abergavenny Market?

Well-behaved dogs are allowed in Abergavenny’s Market Hall.

Abergavenny shops

With so many different independent shops lining the streets – not to mention an abundance of fine eateries and coffee houses – Abergavenny is the perfect destination for Christmas shopping, especially if you like to shop at small, independent businesses.

While I’ve only just scratched the surface of the variety of businesses laying waiting to be discovered in Abergavenny town centre, here are a few of my favourites.

Cable News, Frogmore Street

Exploring the streets of Abergavenny, I stopped off for some directions at Cable News on Frogmore Street, where I met a man named Paul, who may just be one of the biggest characters of the town. Despite never having met him before, he greeted me as though I was an old friend, laughing, joking, and complimenting me on my hair and my eyebrows.

After pointing me on my way, Paul insisted upon taking me outside his shop to show me the striking wall murals he’d painted onto the side of Casa Bianca Italian restaurant last year, showing Captain Tom and Vera Lynn.

Cable News may just be the local newsagent’s shop, but having met Paul for myself, it’s clear to see his larger than life character has a big impact on town life.

That’s Lovely That, Frogmore Street

Heading just a few doors down from Cable News to meet Lucy Hywel, who runs local gift shop, That’s Lovely That, it’s heart-warming to hear her speak so fondly of Phil.

According to Lucy, the independent shop-keepers of Abergavenny work alongside each other, rather than in competition with each other.

Established around 20 years ago, That’s Lovely That stocks a delightful range of unique Welsh gifts and festive decorations, including an extensive selection of Annie Sloane chalk paint and the biggest collection of Christmas tree angel-toppers you’ve ever seen.

I especially loved the Ordnance Survey map range, featuring maps of Abergavenny printed onto everything from dinner trays to placemats. It was charming to hear that Lucy had insisted that Llandewi Brefi featured on the maps, as that’s where she was born and raised.

Cuddle and Cwtch, Frogmore Street

Perched right next door to That’s Lovely That, Cuddle and Cwtch sells a range of baby, infant and children’s clothing and toys, sourced from local Welsh manufacturers.

Opened in 2012, this is a family-run, independent business owned by husband-and-wife, Emma and Russ.

I really loved these snuggly children’s Christmas sweatshirts; they’d make for a comfortable alternative to itchy Christmas jumpers for sensitive skin.

Besides clothing, Cuddle and Cwtch also sells children’s book’s, festive gifts and educational toys.

Imagine my excitement when I spotted The Jolly Christmas Postman – a festive take on a popular children’s book I loved to read when I was younger. As you read the book, you’ll come across envelopes containing letters that form part of the story; it really does make for a truly enchanting reading experience!

Field Day Flowers, Frogmore Street

After checking out Cuddle and Cwtch, I popped into Field Day Flowers; an independent florist situated just a couple of doors’ down.

Run by Jackie Godfrey, Field Day Flowers specialises in freshly cut flower bouquets and arrangements (including the biggest festive wreaths I’ve ever laid my eyes upon!), besides stocking bespoke artisanal products, like COCO ethical chocolate and Plum and Ashby’s natural home and body collection.

This would be an excellent place to visit for all your festive floral needs, whether you’re looking for an eye-catching centrepiece for the Christmas dinner table, or a show-stopping bouquet for someone special. Plus, who wouldn’t be over the moon to find some COCO chocolate or Plum and Ashby bubble bath in their Christmas stocking?

Cariad Gifts, Cross Street

If you’re looking for traditional Welsh gifts to give this Christmas, look no further than Cariad Gifts on Cross Street.

This eclectic Welsh gift shop sells traditional Welsh souvenirs and gifts like wooden love spoons, Welsh mining figures, traditional Welsh produce, and more.

Neil Powell Master Butchers

Crouched on the corner of Flannel Street, Neil Powell Master Butchers is a third generation, artisan craft butcher with a sterling reputation.

Founded in 1867, this historic shop is one of five of its kind dotted throughout Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, complete with its own traditional butcher’s counter and delicatessen.

The shop is renowned for the quality of its fresh meat and poultry, including predominantly grass-fed, dry-aged Herefordshire and Monmouthshire Beef. The shop also has its own on-site Bakery Kitchen.

Neil Powell Master Butcher is well-worth a visit if you’re still yet to order your Christmas turkey, or for any other festive meat requirements. In all honesty, I certainly don’t need any excuse to pop in here, regardless of the time of the year.

Abergavenny restaurants and cafes

While Abergavenny’s flourishing food and drink scene is dominated by prestigious names like the Michelin-starred The Walnut Tree and The Hardwick, both of which can be found just a few miles outside town, Abergavenny town centre plays host to a far-ranging mix of eateries, from coffee shops and cafes, to restaurants and hotels.

Madame Fromage

I stopped off at Madame Fromage on Nevill Street for a quick coffee in between shopping, although I couldn’t resist picking up some duck and orange pate and Cradoc’s Crackers (made in nearby Brecon) for all those upcoming festive cheese boards while I was at it, too.

I loved this popular deli and cafe when it was located in Cardiff’s Castle Arcade, and it’s lovely to see them thriving in their new home since opening in Abergavenny earlier this year. That said, I do miss being able to visit them for lunch when in Cardiff – they do a great Welsh rarebit and their Welsh lamb cawl is the best!

The Angel Hotel, Cross Street

Later on, after rounding off my morning of Christmas shopping, I headed to The Angel Hotel & Oak Room Restaurant for a spot of lunch. As sister property to the nearby The Walnut Tree, it’s no wonder The Angel Hotel has such a wonderful reputation, both within Abergavenny and beyond.

Not only is The Angel Hotel one of only five Welsh hotels to have been named in The Sunday Times’ Best Places To Stay in Wales 2021, but it is also one of only a few venues outside London to have received an Award of Excellence from the Tea Guild.

Having previously stayed at The Angel Hotel and sampled their exquisite festive afternoon tea offering, I was extremely excited to be returning to dine in the restaurant once again.

Dining in the Oak Room restaurant, the menu was laden with seasonal, local fare like Llanarth Estate pheasant and Forest Coalpit pork chop.

After much deliberation, I went with the cep mushroom and prosciutto lasagne with Monmouthshire black truffle. I enjoy a good twist on a classic lasagne and this hearty little number really did the trick for me. Freshly made lasagne sheets were layered with earthy cep (porcini) mushrooms and salty-sweet prosciutto, finished with finely grated Monmouthshire black truffle and Parmigiano Reggiano.

I followed this up with the lemon tart and blueberry sorbet, knowing I’d need something light and refreshing to revive me and cleanse my palate ahead of my journey back to Cardiff. A sharp lemon sauce sat in a shortcrust pastry tart shell, teamed with cooling blueberry sorbet and a mound of whole blueberries.

To drink, I opted for the Tooma River Reserve Chardonnay 2020, an Angel-selected white wine available by the glass (£4.70 for 125ml, £6.40 for 175ml and £8.70 for 250ml) or bottle (£26).

I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny, and I’ve just spotted that they’re now offering a new festive lunch menu alongside their regular menu, with a selection of starters, mains and desserts priced at £40 for three courses. WIth options like celeriac, apple and chestnut soup, roast breast of Usk Vale turkey and Angel christmas pudding with cognac sauce, it sounds like the ultimate answer to all our festive dining needs.

Other great places to dine out in Abergavenny town centre include:

• The Angel Bakery, located directly opposite The Angel Hotel. From sweet treats to stuffed focaccia sandwiches, the bakery sells a range of tempting baked goods, as well as supplying the hotel restaurant
• The Chapel on Market Street, with its sister venue, The Art Shop located just around the corner on Cross Street
• Gurkha Corner, Nevill Street, serving authentic Nepalese cuisine,
• The Gaff Coffee Shop and Deli on High Street, with its sister restaurant located at No. 4 the Courtyard on Lion Street
• Fig Tree Espresso, a charming little coffee house run from a 19th Century Georgian town house on Nevill Street, owned by couple, Jessica and Chris
• Casa Bianca on Frogmore Street, for traditional Italian cuisine
• Mezze Me, a family-run Turkish restaurant known for its generous sharing platters
• Pizzorante on Market Street, famous for its hand-stretched pizzas and fresh pasta dishes

My visit to Abergavenny is one of five Monmouthshire town visits I’ve got lined up for this November and December. Next, I’ll be heading to Chepstow – home to Britain’s oldest surviving post-Roman stone castle!

Have you ever been to Abergavenny Market, or elsewhere in Abergavenny? Leave a comment to let me know what you thought of the town.

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