Easter Holiday Inspiration

Easter Bank Holiday weekend is fast approaching and if you are stuck for ideas why not visit Abergavenny for a wonderful day out filled with distinctively independent shopping, beautiful scenery, delicious places for food and drink along with family friendly activities.

Abergavenny offers something for everyone whether your looking for a romantic day out, catch up with friends or some family fun!

We've put together our top five things to do to give you some ideas and inspiration

1 Afternoon tea at The Angel Hotel 

The Angel Hotel is a member of the prestigious UK Tea Guild having previously held an ‘Award of Excellence’ since 2008. Only nine hotels outside of London have achieved this. In 2011 The Angel Hotel were proud recipients of The Tea Guild’s top national award, the Oscar of the tea world.

Each morning our specialist baker, Sally Lane freshly prepares the sandwiches, savouries, cakes and scones ready for the afternoon. We serve afternoon tea daily in our Wedgewood room from 3.00pm - 5.30pm during the week and 2.30pm - 5.30pm on weekends. 

For more information visit http://www.angelabergavenny.com/afternoon-tea

2 Visit the distinctively independent shops

Abergavenny is a beautiful place to visit if you are looking for a family day trip, relaxing day out or for a great shopping experience. Unlike your usual shopping locations Abergavenny is full of independent local businesses that offer quality unique items that can't be found anywhere else. Visit the following link to browse the shops available in Abergavenny, http://www.loveabergavenny.com/index.php?page=shop
.

3 Take in the history of Abergavenny's Castle & Museum

Abergavenny Museum is set in the grounds of a 'ruined' Norman Castle, where you can enjoy a picnic during the summer and a brisk walk on colder days. The museum building was formerly a hunting lodge built by the Marquess of Abergavenny.

The displays tell the story of this historic market town from prehistory through to the present day. The displays are on several levels, with some help most areas are accessible to wheelchair users. Visit the following link for more information about the museum and castle, http://www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk/

4 Do a Spot of Walking

There's some beautiful walking spots around Abergavenny with wonderful scenery that will not disappoint including the Sugarloaf, Blorenge, Skirrid Fawr and the Brecon Beacons isn't far away either. For more information visit here http://loveabergavenny.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=4&cntnt01returnid=64

For families join the National Trust Easter Adventure in the Woods 10am-3pm

Join rangers for an Easter adventure into St Mary’s Vale. Follow the Easter trail to discover some tasty treats, as well as damming a stream, making a mud pie and building a den. Don’t forget to bring a picnic. Meet at the lower Llanwenarth car park (SO 271163) and bring a waterproof jacket, warm, comfortable clothes, walking boots or wellies and a picnic. There is a gradual climb onto the Llanwenarth, but a steeper descent and ascent into St Mary’s Vale, which is often muddy. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs on leads welcome. Booking Essential – 0844 249 1895. Children £1, adults free.

5 Experience the Abergavenny markets

Situated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny
Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.
Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy a traditional indoor & outdoor market, with
over 200 stands selling a huge range of goods.

Less well known, but equally worth a visit are the Friday and Saturday Markets.

The Friday Market is an indoor only event but still offers over 60 stalls with
something to interest everyone.

The Saturday Market was established over 13 years ago and is now both indoors as well as outdoors with approximately 100 stalls.

Other events held in the Market Hall include Farmers Markets, Craft Fairs, Antique

Fairs, Flea Markets, Arts & Crafts Fairs and the annual Abergavenny Food Festival.

The Market is open from 6am to 5pm on Market days. Please see following link for more information, http://www.abergavennymarket.co.uk/

To get some further inspiration on what you can do this weekend visit the following link:

www.loveabergavenny.com

Late Night Shopping Event - Wednesday 10th December

After being such a success last year the Abergavenny late night shopping event is continuing this year on Wednesday 10th December for everyone to come along for Christmas Shopping, fun in store, promotions and treats!! Shops will be open until 8pm! A full list of shops opening will be coming soon.

Come along and see for yourself, for more information on abergavenny see here www.loveabergavenny.com or visit here for more late night shopping announcements

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abergavenny-Late-Night-Shopping-Event/175274382680112

Half Term Inspiration

If you're looking for something to do with the children this half term then look no further... Here's our top four things in Abergavenny to do.

1 - Halloween at the Castle

Running from 11am to 3pm the event in the castle features creepy crafts, face painting and spooky stories in the castle grounds. There is no need to book but children must be accompanied by an adult – the cost is £4 per child with no charge for adults. For more information visit here



2 - Explore the countryside around Abergavenny

Abergavenny has been attracting hikers from around the world for years. With stunning views over the Brecon Beacons Park and wildlife spotting the children will be thrilled to get some fresh air and take in the countryside.

Our peaks and trails include Sugar Loaf, the Blorenge, and the Skirrid.The walk paths around Abergavenny is the perfect family day out all year around.

 http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk

3 - Baker Street Cinema

Baker street cinema is a fantastic cinema located in the heart of Abergavenny, surrounded with vintage architecture this is a cinema like no other and the children will love it! For more information please visit the following link, http://www.abergavennycinema.co.uk/

4 - Experience the Abergavenny Markets

Situated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny 

Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.

Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy a traditional indoor & outdoor market, with 

over 200 stands selling a huge range of goods. Less well known, but equally worth a visit are the Friday and Saturday Markets. The Friday Market is an indoor only event but still offers over 60 stalls with something to interest everyone. The Saturday Market was established over 13 years ago and is now both indoors as 

well as outdoors with approximately 100 stalls.

Other events held in the Market Hall include Farmers Markets, Craft Fairs, Antique

Fairs, Flea Markets, Arts & Crafts Fairs and the annual Abergavenny Food Festival.

The Market is open from 6am to 5pm on Market days. Please see following link for more information,http://www.abergavennymarket.co.uk/

The children will find plenty of unique toys and exciting goodies whilst enjoying the atmosphere of the market.

Love Lily Flower School - New Dates

If you're looking to learn something new why not try Love Lily Flow School! Wedding Flowers magazine rated the Flower School as one of 'The Best Flower Schools' running in the UK.  Classes have been designed for beginners, floral arrangers and anyone wishing to try their hand at floristry.  The classes are fun filled, relaxed and are guaranteed enjoyment!

Saturday 1^st November – Bridal Flowers

Saturday 15^th November – Entertaining at Home

Monday 15^th December – Classic Christmas Door Wreath & Table Centre

Tuesday 16^th December – Funky Festive Door Wreath & Table Centre

For further information please see the website www.love-lily.com here's a sneak peek of the incredible standard Love Lily provide.....

October Business of the Month - Amanda Jayne Shoes!

Amanda Jayne Shoes (www.amandajayneshoes.co.uk), is a ladies shoe boutique offering personally selected, hand crafted Italian ladies’ shoes and sees its’ owner, Mandy Knight, combine a lifelong passion for stylish footwear with a desire to provide the ultimate in customer service.

“This business is totally personal,” she says.

“I wanted to open a ladies shoe boutique offering stylish, elegant, finely crafted shoes, which are an absolute delight to wear.  Not only that, but I wanted to create a retail experience that is different: where I take time to get to know my customers, so they are consistently, pleasantly surprised and delighted at what they find and experience, where they feel special and where individual appointments can be arranged for that unhurried and personal attention.”

Taking inspiration from the stylish shoe boutiques along the Amalfi coast and working with small Italian family shoe manufacturers who have been trading for many generations, Amanda Jayne Shoes offers a unique retail experience.

With more than 100 styles to choose from – including some petite sizes (from European size 34 ) and some designs not available anywhere else in the UK - Amanda Jayne Shoes are personally selected with the most dedicated shoe devotees in mind.

The classic collection combines quality craftsmanship with high-end style, includes formal, party and casual shoes, colours ranging from monochrome and neutrals to jewel-like reds and greens, and designs ranging from chic loafers to elegant court shoes, from informal sandals to sculpted, strappy heels.  A range of co-ordinating handbags are also available to accompany selected styles.  Not only this but on Amanda Jayne labelled shoes, it is possible to choose the material, colour and embellishments – what a jewel in the crown!

All styles may be viewed and reserved on-line but a visit to the boutique is a must.  Its’ luxurious and elegant surroundings ideally complement the beautiful Italian shoes that are on offer.  Private appointments are also available for that unhurried and personal attention.

The business is based on her firmly held belief in what she calls “the power and

pleasure of shoes”.

“Shoes don’t change your life – but they certainly have the power to change the way a woman feels, and boost her confidence - and the pleasure we take in a special pair is totally disproportionate!  Even more so when you find a gorgeous pair that actually fit your petite foot.

“I want every woman who buys a pair of Amanda Jayne Shoes to be thrilled when choosing them, receiving them and every time she wears them.”

Why not come and see for yourself at 16 Cross Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EW

Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful shoes on offer....

For more information call 01873 857209 or visit  www.amandajayneshoes.co.uk

Cookes Galley Runs Charity Cookery Demonstrations

Cookes Galley will be running a day of cookery demonstrations in association with Penny Lewis of The Culinary Cottage, Pandy in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre in the lead up to the famous Abergavenny Food Festival! There will be FOUR classes throughout the day on Thursday 18th September to get us into the foodie mood.



THURSDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2014

10.00am – 11.00am – THE WONDERS OF BRIOCHE
With this fantastic course, you will learn all about the wonders of Brioche, it will be created with Pennys’ very own recipe, which has been carefully refined to create the most wonderful brioche which is so versatile, you will LOVE it.

11.30am – 12.30pm – THE MOST PERFECT PAELLA

In this hour slot, we will be learning all about Paella. This dish is perfect to recreate for a dinner party, or just as a midweek supper. With gorgeous King Prawns, and fragrant spices, what’s not to love about this Spanish dish?!

1.00pm – 2.00pm – BREADS FROM THE MED...

Just think about it...Baguettes, Foccacia, Ciabatta....these wonderful breads come from the heart of the Mediterranean. Learn all about how to make the perfect loaf, and then you will get to take some home with you too....

2.30pm -3.30pm – EASY CHOCOLATE DESSERTS

With this one hour masterclass you will learn everything there is to know about easy chocolate desserts...We have all been there when time isn't on your side, but you want something to wow your guests for dessert....so with this masterclass you will be able to take the recipes home to use them time and time again!!

All of the courses you will be able to taste what penny has cooked for you. Refreshments will be included throughout the day.Where possible you will go home with something from the class as a little sample of what you have been learning. It's a one off deal as it is the food festival weekend…and doing something that little bit different!

It is just £10.00 per person to join one of our classes, and ALL THE MONEY WILL GO TO:  VELINDRE CANCER CENTRE. As a little extra goodie, you will have a free raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning an amazing prize from our raffle draw.  Booking is essential as we have limited spaces available! If you would like to book on one, two, three or all of our classes please call: 01873854060 or email: sophie@cooksgalleyltd.co.uk

September Business of the Month - Abergavenny Food Festival

Abergavenny's Food Festival is set to take place on Saturday 20th-Sunday 21st September this year with lots of wonderful activities across the town.  The Festival has been awarded 'Best Event in Wales' by the National Tourism Awards for Wales in 2013 so it won't disappoint. 

For those of you who are new to the Festival, here's how it works. The five market venues in the centre of town are all accessed on a Stroller Ticket (wristband) with free entry to children under 16 if accompanied by an adult. Within these venues (outdoor and indoor) are over 200 carefully selected top-notch exhibitors, showcasing the best of Wales, The Marches and further afield. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

There's also a rolling programme of chef demonstrations in the Market Hall, a children's Food Academy at the Castle (sponsored by Organic Centre Wales), and plenty of other entertainment too. Ir's something not to be missed! For more information visit here