Rhoose Village Stores & Post Office

This family-run business is many things to locals: a greengrocer, a fruiterer, a stationer, and, possibly it’s most important role, a Post Office. It’s also a mini garden centre, especially this time of year, with gorgeous displays adorning the frontage. They certainly do lift the spirits.

Joel says, “We have a great selection – lots of seasonal plants. And they are reasonably priced and in excellent condition.” It’s probably a little early but as winter approaches, you can purchase Christmas trees and wreaths here too.

The store itself has a wide variety of provisions for sale: great quality fruit and veg (and they are very good), bread from artisan bakers and handmade pastas and spices. The old-fashioned sweet jars are popular with the children (and those of us old enough to remember our favourites). “Our children Mia and Ayla love this part of the business and, unsurprisingly, are very keen to help out!

We love their veg boxes. They make £15, £25 and bespoke veg, salad and fruit boxes for collection and also offer delivery service. “We try to be the kind of village shop that we want to shop in if that makes sense,” says Cerian.

This reminds me of my youth delivering veg for my grandmother’s shop in Mountain Ash. Great memories.

The Village Stores is also conscious of supporting other local businesses. “We stock locally made products such as candles, wax melts and homemade bags,” she adds. “We’re very proud of our community and the various makers – we do as much as we can to encourage them.”

Cerian, now Postmistress, officially took over and got it opening full-time back in April this year, much to the delight of the locals. “We’ve lived in Rhoose for over ten years. We love Rhoose and it makes us so happy and proud to be part of this great community.”