Tearoom pours support for local businesses
A Denbighshire establishment is brewing up the perfect mix of Welsh foody delights and artisan gifts with a touch of local support and sustainability
Jackie Feak, Administration & Business Officer for the Translators’ Tearoom at St Asaph Cathedral says the establishment works hard to source and support local produce alongside caring for the environment with the service they provide.
The Translators’ Tearoom nestled in the grounds of the Cathedral, opened for the first time in May 2018 and has quickly become a staple venue of choice for local residents and visitors due to the strong commitment to local sustainability.
The St Asaph establishment is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.
Customers stepping through the tearoom doors will be tempted by the selection of light lunches, homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks, the majority on the menu is made fresh on site.
Jackie explained: “All our cakes, soups and sandwiches are home-made, we are regularly told how good the scones are! We try to source as much as we can locally and ethically. We are set in the cathedral grounds so the view from the windows is unique.
The Translators’ Tearoom sources a number of local Denbighshire produce. Yoghurts on sale are from Llaeth y Llan, Chilly Cow ice cream is stocked and ham provided from Daniel Jones Butchers in St Aasaph.
Bread comes from the Tan Lan Bakery, just across the way in Conwy along with supplies from Heartland Coffee and crisps and popcorn are sourced from Jones o Gymru at Pwllheli.
And it’s not just sourced food from the county and North Wales producers, the Translators Tearoom is also brewing extra support for artisans in the region with the creation of an extended shop area on site.
Jackie said: “We have a small shop which we’re hoping to increase before Christmas. We already have St Asaph Cathedral ‘merchandise’ including keyrings and fridge magnets made by Bryn Jones from Betws y Coed, Welsh cards by Nansi Nudd, other cards by local photographer Chris Wilkinson (Special Sightings) from Prestatyn, a range of Cathedral branded jams, chutneys by Welsh Lady Preserves, and art from Miles from the Myrtle House gallery at the bottom of the city.”
“We are a member of the Clwydian Range Tourism Group (CRTG) and are trying to work to supply even more local produce than we already do – when we get our new shop area we’ll be looking for new suppliers.”
The Translators’ Tearoom is looking ahead to a future sustainability project thanks to a slice of the past on the land they are based.
Jackie explained: “Also we’re hoping to start selling plants from the new heritage garden in the cathedral grounds as a way of keeping up the garden area.”
And looking after the environment they work and live in is very much on the minds of the staff at the Translators’ Tearoom as well.
Jackie said: “All our packaging is recyclable and/or compostable such as our takeaway containers. St Asaph Cathedral has just gained the bronze ‘Eco-church’ award and we are working towards the silver award to include the tearoom as well.
The Translators’ Tearoom is encouraging shoppers to pour in their support behind the #LoveLiveLocal campaign and stir up positive trade for local businesses in their respective county towns.
Jackie added: “The more people who shop locally the stronger the local offer will be, and the more choice there will be. Although online shopping is easier, the personal touch definitely makes a difference, and means more.”
Shoppers can help by sharing great experiences and products on social media to let people know you have shopped local this winter and encourage others to #LoveLiveLocal too.
You can get involved by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx