“We had a guy in from LA a few weeks ago. When he left he said that he’d had the first proper coffee since he’d landed in the UK ten days ago. He also said that we had the best bacon rolls in town but that’s another story.” So says Nigel Evans who co-owns Helo Coffi with his partner Karin Mear. The Welsh/English bi-lingual coffee shop is ideally situated just inside the left hand main entrance door. With just four small tables and a counter bar outside, the shop has a constant flow of customers. Due to the proximity of tables, conversations between Aberdare regulars are struck up with visitors from New York State on a seemingly daily basis. Such is the atmosphere Helo Coffi creates. It’s not just a place to get a latte or a flat white. The cake selection is supplied by Clam Cakes in Crickhowell and the bacon in the bacon rolls comes from Lloyd’s Deli stall opposite. The freshly made quiche and cherry crumble is delivered daily by That Hobby Baker in Wind Street. Karin says: “We take a lot of care serving up our coffee and snacks. Our coffee beans are roasted in Blackwood by Big Dog Coffee and most of the ingredients we use are sourced locally from other traders like Mem at The Veg Box.” Helo Coffi is open from 9:15am until 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

A new Artisan Craft Fair & Market is coming to the Market Quarter We are delighted to announce that the Market Quarter has teamed up with Crafty Legs Events to bring a brand new monthly craft fair and market to Aberdare. This will be located on the Market Yard and will operate on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10.00am-4.00pm . This new craft fair and market will launch on Saturday 17th May. We have taken this initiative to create an improved shopping experience for the town centre and we hope that many people will come along to support it.