Welcome to Cwmbran, Marleys Kitchen and Grill.
It was bad timing by me . A staff member of the new cafe in Llantarnam invited me down a couple of weeks ago and I decided to turn up at 12.30pm last Friday.
It was busy with that lovely sound of chit-chat and laughter among friends across the cafe’s table. Friday afternoon means the weekend is close and it felt like the whole place, staff and customers, were in a good mood. I watched as the workmates in the open kitchen rustled up plates full of food, cleared tables and took orders.
Sarah Doel, the manager, sat me down with a latte and apologised but said she had to get a few more meals out before we could talk. I sat thinking how badly I’d timed my visit 😅.
They opened in January, with the owner Damon Siviter taking on the same unit previously used by Claire & Deb’s Cafe & Snack Bar.
When Sarah found a break to chat and sit at my table she told me: “It’s been really good.
“Our healthier menu is doing really as well, the jacket potatoes, salads, panini and omelettes. All those are doing really well as well. We’re going to be doing rice boxes in the future.
“I’ve got two members of staff. On a Friday we have extra help because we’re so busy.
“We get mad hours and then a quiet hour but on a daily basis we are busy. Deliveries are really busy as well.
‘Fun-filled cafe’
“We do have a good laugh. It is a fun-filled cafe.
“Our prices are really reasonable. You get a full massive breakfast for £8.50, that comes with a free tea or coffee. It’s good value for money and everyone leaves here saying they’re stuffed and it was lovely. That’s what we’re here for, to fill everybody up.”
I finished my coffee and headed home. I turned on my computer and one of Sarah’s staff had already sent a kind message to say: “Thank you for your time, really appreciate it.” I really enjoyed seeing that message pop. I literally popped in for 15 minutes, drank a coffee, took a photo, and left 🙂
⏰Monday to Saturday, 7am to 2pm
📍 Unit 26, Court Road Industrial Estate, Cwmbran NP44 3AS