It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two months since Pubtopia launched and the little humble shop in The Halfway opened its doors — but what a start it’s been.

Nestled inside The Halfway and powered by heart, graft and good old-fashioned community spirit, Pubtopia entered phase 1 of its life: the village shop – but its turning out to be more than just a shop. It’s a tiny-but-mighty corner of Monmouthshire that’s stocked with the kind of essentials you’d rather not drive 20 minutes for — local milk, cream, butter, bacon, sausages, cakes, croissants, toasted tea cakes, toiletries, and handmade crafts — all with a big smile and zero fuss.

A Shop Built for the Community — and by it

The shop is part of our Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning it runs not for profit, but for people. It exists to help our village and neighbours thrive, with every purchase helping us fund workshops, events and local projects.

Already, the success of the shop has helped us run our first community event — a chunky knit ‘Cosy Throws’ workshop on Easter Saturday, where locals from neighbouring villages came together free of charge, shared a drink and left with their own handmade creations.

And that’s just the start.

Local Produce, Local Stories

We’ve had passersby calling in from Monmouth to Abergavenny to Hereford and even Merthyr just to get their hands on our bacon (we’re told it’s “the best ever”), and regulars now stop in for milk, butter or a loaf without having to go further afield. It’s making a real difference to real people — and we’re chuffed to bits about that.

There’s even a WhatsApp group where locals can request special items from local producers, which we’ll do our best to order in with our regular deliveries. Fancy a dozen croissants for a Saturday breakfast with friends? Speak to Rhi next time you’re in The Halfway to be added to the group or contact us to learn more. 

Want to Run a Workshop? Come Chat.

From chunky knits to creative bits, Pubtopia will be hosting more community workshops throughout the year. If you’ve got an idea — from foraging walks to candle-making or jam-making masterclasses — we’d love to hear from you.

We’ve got the space thanks to our Marquee, we’ve got the community, and the kettle’s always on / the bar is open!

What’s Next?

As we head into summer, we’ll be expanding our opening hours to help more locals and visitors pop in. If you run a local Airbnb or campsite, we’d love for you to tell your guests about us — we’re perfect for picking up breakfast bits or a treat or two.

And we want your feedback — what would you love to see stocked in The Halfway village shop? What would help your family or your neighbours or your guests? Pop in and chat to Rhi, leave a note, or send a message.

A Final Word

Thank you. To everyone who’s popped in, spread the word, shared a story, interviewed me for local press, or left with a cake (or six). This is what Pubtopia is all about: local people, looking out for one another 

Here’s to the next month — and many more after that.

Cheers, 

Rhi