It's been a year this month since Rhuthun/Ruthin's best-known café and card shop began a modernisation process. Out went the Davieses, who have run it for some 30 years, though they still live above the shop and they often eat within.
What's changed? Not the cards, as far as I can see. The range of novelty gifts has altered but it's impossible to say exactly how.
As regards the café, the new management's opened up the rear garden and although not a large space it does afford al fresco dining with the opportunity to see the former printers where Hen Wlad fy Nhadau was first published. Indeed, this offers a rare treat to see what would have been one of Rhuthun's 27 "yards" off Clwyd & Well Streets. There's a till in the café area to save people queuing at the card till by the shop entrance. One of the two kitchen access ways is blocked off.
But the feel of the place remains. The St Peter's Square place mats, for example, haven't changed. The furniture looks the same as it ever was. And the carpet. And the wood that separates the two halves of the business: cards from cake.
The Davies's menu had not altered for all the years they were in charge. Under new management, it's only a little different: mostly snacks (though no spaghetti on toast, these days), fry-ups & cakes with a handful of specials. This will be reassuring to those who have long supported Siop Nain. But it may not be enough of a change to bring in new custom—or retain existing patrons. Over the quarter of a century, things have changed and, in particular, taste certainly has. We live in a café culture that prefers, expects even, fine coffee with sophistication. This you can find only around the corner or a little further down Well Street, at Costa's or the refurbished Chatwin's (Chatbuck's).
Indeed, Siop Nain needs new customers. For the twice I have visited this month, I was taken aback by the lack of them. Once was over lunch time when in past times you struggled to find a seat. The first half of the café, that nearest the archway to the card & novelty section, was modestly full but the second half, that part that used to be blue with the haze of cigarette smoke, on each occasion, had just two tables occupied. Perhaps Siop Nain is therefore struggling under pressure from a refurbished Chatwin's (Chatbuck's) and the allure of Costa.
One thing that seemed familiar though less pronounced was the fatty smell wafting from the kitchen. In days of yore, that used to combine with the blue smoke of fags and you either liked it or you didn't. It's been a while since you could legally smoke on the premises but at least those who enjoy a ciggy with their meals can now sit outside. Other cafés have limited front or pavement seating but there's more room at the rear of Siop Nain.
And talking of Siop Nain, we really liked this Wikiepdia entry that reads,
What's changed? Not the cards, as far as I can see. The range of novelty gifts has altered but it's impossible to say exactly how.
As regards the café, the new management's opened up the rear garden and although not a large space it does afford al fresco dining with the opportunity to see the former printers where Hen Wlad fy Nhadau was first published. Indeed, this offers a rare treat to see what would have been one of Rhuthun's 27 "yards" off Clwyd & Well Streets. There's a till in the café area to save people queuing at the card till by the shop entrance. One of the two kitchen access ways is blocked off.
One thing that seemed familiar though less pronounced was the fatty smell wafting from the kitchen. In days of yore, that used to combine with the blue smoke of fags and you either liked it or you didn't. It's been a while since you could legally smoke on the premises but at least those who enjoy a ciggy with their meals can now sit outside. Other cafés have limited front or pavement seating but there's more room at the rear of Siop Nain.
And talking of Siop Nain, we really liked this Wikiepdia entry that reads,
"It is now half a licensed restaurant, and half a card and gift shop selling English and Welsh language gifts and cards"Is it me or does this imply that it sells only half cards? "Half of the premises sells cards & gifts while the other half trades as a café" might seem more appropriate—with a third fewer words.
Tags:
Shops