Pretty UK village has slowly transformed into an unlikely foodie haven

A tiny village has is attracting attention after becoming something of a food haven. Pontyclun, a Welsh village once listed as one of Wales' most 'lusted' after places to live, has seen its social scene flourish over the past three years.

The village is now home to a variety of dining options. From a decent lunch option or takeaway curry to keep you satisfied, Pontyclun's pubs have experienced various fortunes over the years - the two remaining, The Windsor and Brunel Arms, often boast a bustling beer garden clientele. The Fullbrook Bistro, a long-standing fixture on the high street, also adds to the village's charm.

However, in recent years, the options have expanded, reports Wales Online.

The Pipeworks, a microbar, offers more than your average Madri on tap, while The Thirsty Elephant, a trendy brunch coffee shop, has become a popular spot.

And just last month, El Cabron tacos, former winners of Best Streetfood in Wales, transitioned from pop-up success to a permanent establishment, opening an authentic Mexican taqueria - likely a first for Rhondda Cynon Taf, let alone Pontyclun itself.

Simon and Kath Callow, the owners of La Taqueria, opened their doors at the end of September following a successful summer with their award-winning taco truck, El Cabron. The idea was born after their honeymoon to California in 2016: "We had a lot of Mexican food and fell in love with it," Kath revealed, "but we came home and couldn't find anything like it locally."

After years of perfecting quesa birrias (slow cooked beef and cheese) and carnitas (braised pork) for friends and family, Simon transformed an old burger van he bought for £500 into a taco truck.

Their success at local festivals led the couple, who are parents to two children, to take on a property in Heol yr Orsaf. "Pontyclun has always been so supportive of us" Kath explained, "and so the opportunity [to rent] felt like serendipity."

Now, the once vacant plot is bustling with customers savouring aromatic carne asada (grilled steak) and pollo (chicken) tacos, accompanied by a range of imported Jarritos and Coca-Cola from Mexico.

As they blend tomatillos and jalapenos, the chefs keep customers entertained with rapid Blink-182 drum interludes.

Just a stone's throw away in Heol yr Orsaf, you'll find The Pipeworks Bar, a craft beer sanctuary renowned for its superb selection of local beers, ales, and ciders. With its laid-back and sociable vibe, this microbar was one of Pontyclun's first hidden treasures.

The Pipeworks opened its doors in 2017 after co-owners Simon Cole and Stephen Lewis were left disappointed by the lack of local Welsh beers on offer in their community: "the idea came from not being able to find the stuff I wanted to drink locally, not being able to find good craft beer," says Simon, a former beer wholesaler.

The bar's welcoming atmosphere keeps customers coming back for more. But what makes it so special?

"The Pipes isn't just a pub it's a community meeting point" says a regular patron who's there when we visit.

"They look after people, look out for people. It's not just a business, it's a good place."

After launching a pop-up in Heol yr Orsaf, an influx of positive feedback gave the lifelong friends the confidence to make it a full-time venture. Now serving a unique blend of 20" pizzas and XL slices, the classic pepperoni paired with a pint of Tenby-Son of a Beach is a must-try in Pontyclun's foodie paradise.

And the enclave of food spots for Heol yr Orsaf doesn't stop there, a chic bar serving wine and charcuterie boards is set to open next week. When asked about the name Bottle and Board, co-owner Darren Waters told WalesOnline: "I just woke up at 3am and thought from builders and brows to bottle and board."

Darren and childhood mate Jack Collins jointly own a building firm, Elite Construction, but were keen to embark on a fresh venture involving their partners, Kirsty Waters and Laura Stoneman, both former eyebrow technicians.

"We've always wanted something in the village, and we always knew it would be food," said Kirsty. "It started as ice-cream, then a pizzeria but we decided on meat and cheese because Pontyclun doesn't have that.

"We would venture to Cardiff for nice wine and cheese, but we just want to be able to go out in our own village, and since we've put the idea out there everyone has agreed that it's what the village needs."

Describing 'The Pontyclun Quarter' Kirsty explained: "When you're here on the weekend The Pipeworks is super busy, and this street is just buzzing with people all the time. It's a great vibe because we're all bouncing off each other."

The establishment will offer an array of charcuterie and cheese platters, bar nibbles and accompaniments.

Picture crusty bread served with garlic mayonnaise, Spanish sausage spreads and truffle-infused Manchego, paired with a crisp Cloudy Bay chardonnay, or a refreshing pint of Modelo (the first draught offering in Wales); Bottle and Board is destined to become enormously popular.

It's not solely Heol yr Orsaf catering to local food and beverage enthusiasts.

The Thirsty Elephant launched in 2019 and now sees weekend queues stretching beyond its entrance for delicious morning meals that are Instagram-worthy whilst delivering on quality. Their steak and eggs or pancakes are just two of the dishes that see the brunch spot in high demand, so much so that a second location opened a little further down Cowbridge Road - a smaller espresso bar.

Nearby, the espresso bar is the long-standing The Deli, where you'll pick up fresh salads, bread, quiches and cakes and at the other end is the, relatively, new Brothers Indian, bringing a fresh approach to Indian food.

But why is Pontyclun becoming a hot spot, and why are people choosing to dine locally? Darren of Bottle and Board, who sums it up nicely.

Darren pinpoints the success to the supportive community; "it's quite unique. They're all doing so well because they're bouncing off each other. They've all got their own little quirk, but everyone is driving one another and that's how they're sustaining it".

Another local, speaking to WalesOnline, attributed the success to Pontyclun's train links and proximity to the M4, "people aren't venturing to the bigger cities, so the range of spots that Pontyclun has to offer is solidifying it as a location".

So, if you're after an evening out with a cosy atmosphere, unique food, and not a chain in sight, it might be time to pop Pontyclun on your map.