Hub Member - The Fork, Cork & Feathers

New life for the former National Milk Bar building in Dolgellau

A Welsh deli has breathed new life into the former National Milk Bar building in Dolgellau.  The Fork, Cork & Feathers was opened by Andrew Peirson last year following support from the Enterprise Hub.  The intention is to showcase the "richness" of Welsh produce available, and to create a space to hear and speak the Welsh language.

'A wealth of great produce in Wales'

"We realised very quickly that we had a wealth of great products in Wales and we wanted to show them off to the fullest," said Andrew, owner and manager of The Fork, Cork & Feathers.  "Our focus is to use local produce and showcase that.  "We found this beautiful historic building in Dolgellau, the former site of the National Milk Bar.  And at Easter last year, we finally managed to open the doors of the licensed coffee shop, deli, bistro, and bar.  We discovered and created a space where we hear and speak Welsh every day, and it seems that the local people really enjoy what we do.  They can come here and enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee from Llanrwst.  We also use milk from a beautiful farm just over the pass near Machynlleth."

'Fantastic' and 'valuable' support in first year

Andrew first heard about the Enterprise Hub through Gwynedd Council's business support bulletin.  The bulletin is sent out weekly and is a "very useful resource", says Andrew.

Andrew applied for support, and after the business received a grant through the ARFOR scheme, there were several options as to how the business could use the grant.  Andrew felt that his business would get the best benefit if he used it towards marketing and professional fees.

"Having support in our first year has been great and very valuable.  It's been a very successful first year, and we're delighted that many locals have discovered us and are coming back, time and time again.  Hopefully the bistro will grow and continue to develop."

Watch the video below for more of Andrew's story.