There's a lot to like and love about Blackwood. It's a vibrant valleys town and despite the doomsayers, Blackwood's high street and market place has plenty of jewels to make it a must visit for Valleys' shoppers.

BLACKWOOD

I like Blackwood, I've always liked it. As children we used to walk from Penpedairheol to the swimming pool in Cefn Fforest and then down into Blackwood to the cafes. I saw Alien for the first time in Blackwood cinema and many other movies throughout my teenage years. We loved it.

Visiting Blackwood again, brought back lots of good memories and, I'm delighted to say, it still has a vibrant buzz about it. There are some great businesses in Blackwood and the cheerfulness and desire to succeed by businesspeople is quite uplifting.

The Arup designed Chartist Bridge and a much improved road network linking the east and west of the Sirhowy Valley has made it a great deal easier for businesses to set up, and that has to be positive news for the area and the local economy as a whole.

And Blackwood has some famous sons and daughters too; James Dean Bradfield, Richey Edwards, Sean Moore and Nicky Wire of the Manic Street Preachers and the opera singer Dame Margaret Price all grew up in Blackwood. Music and the arts is still at the heart of the community with the much lauded Blackwood Miners Institute at its core. Yes, Blackwood has much to be proud of and I for one see a very bright future.


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Coffee Continental


I really like this coffee shop. It has a modern, stylish feel but has an air of tradition about it. You feel welcome when you enter, like you've been going there for years.

Coffee Continental is owned and managed by Esther Apoussidis and her husband George. They offer a great range of light bites, cakes, cold drinks, snacks and coffee which is superb. In 2011 Esther won a Business Woman of the Year Award and the shop scooped a Pride in Your Place Award. I'm not in the least surprised - there's much to be proud of at Coffee Continental.


20 The Market Place
Blackwood NP12 1AU
01495 228801
www.coffeecontinental.com

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Blackwood Miners


Blackwood Miners' Institute originally opened as a single storey snooker hall in 1925 and was reopened as an arts and entertainment venue in 1992.

Located on Blackwood's busy High Street, this superb venue is at the heart of the community. The 'Stute, as it is affectionately known locally, presents a variety of arts and entertainment events including well-known names from the world of music, comedy and light entertainment, delivering the very best quality family events and theatre productions, as well as supporting performances staged by local organisations and much more.


Box Office 01495 227206
www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com

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The Rock


Landlord Paul and his wife Jennifer Taylor are proud of The Rock as former winners of Enterprise Inns National Pub Of The Year.


Food is locally sourced wherever possible and freshly prepared to an excellent standard, catering for lunchtimes and those who prefer to linger a little longer.

The evening menu is comprehensive and the specials innovative. A wellstocked bar boasts a choice of real ales, wine and some good old-fashioned soft drinks complete the dining experience.


Tredegar Road
Blackwood NP12 1DD
01495 223441
www.therockblackwood.co.uk

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HIGH STREET

Homestyle makes beds and flooring affordable

What Lee Elliott, the owner of Homestyle doesn't know about carpets probably isn't worth knowing and he's equally knowledgeable about beds and wood flooring.

"We're a family run business," says Lee. "I've worked for several carpet companies including the biggest in Britain in my career so I've learned a lot over the years." Looking around the spacious, airy showroom it's clear that Lee has an eye for the right brands including Abingdon, Cormar and Regency carpets. L

ee prides himself on being competitively priced. "Like for like, I'm confident that I can beat any quote by up to 25%," he enthuses. "We have customers from Blackwood, Risca, Newport, Llantrisant, Cardiff and beyond. We have carpets, flooring and beds to suit all budgets." While I was there, I watched Lee with customers and, I have to say, I was impressed. He's extremely attentive, not pushy in any way and nothing seems too much trouble.

"It's all about good service," says Lee. "I look after my customers and that's why I get so many recommendations." After spending fifteen minutes with Lee, I can see why.



Homestyle of Blackwood

Station Garage, High Street
Blackwood NP12 1BA
01495 221900
www.homestyleofblackwood.co.uk

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Must Have Music & Impact




It's a rare thing to be wowed by a shop but Must Have Music & Impact in Blackwood is, quite simply, a wonderful find if you're a musician or you just love music.

Formerly based at Emily's Indoor Shops, Must Have Music & Impact is situated at 13 - 15 The Market shopping centre opposite Peacocks. Simon and Trisha established the business in 2003 and work very closely with the local comminity, schools and private sector to look after their musical needs.

Customer service is second to none and you're always made to feel welcome. www.musthavemusic.biz/store and also www.musthavemusicandimpact.com/store and their musthavemusic Facebook page have regular updates and latest news about products, services and upand- coming workshops. The shop also has the latest movie and music merchandise arriving on a regular basis and provides a professional guitar and amp repair service. Part exchanges are welcome and they also buy instruments.




13 - 15 The Market Place
Blackwood NP12 1AU
01495 220047
www.musthavemusic.biz


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Phillips Opticians

Phillips Opticians have been in the heart of Blackwood on its High Street providing high quality eyecare to the surrounding communities for over 40 years.



Owned and staffed by people from the local area, high customer service levels remain the core focus of the business, striving to deliver high quality eyecare and eyewear from a modern, wellequipped and well-stocked premises.


203 High Street
Blackwood NP12 1AA
01495 224133
blackwood@phillipsopticians.co.uk
www.phillipsopticians.co.uk

Branches also at Risca, Newbridge,
Caerleon and Pontypool.

 
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