It’s been a worrying time for all businesses and even more so for those relying on tourism to pay the bills, it’s been inspiring to see how local businesses have been modifying what they do to help the community and to help themselves.
I live in the very south of Denbighshire in the rural village of Llandrillo and it’s been so encouraging to see how businesses have been adapting.
Julie and Mark at the Dudley Arms have adapted to create a weekend take out meal service, so you can get your hands on Julie’s delicious steak and ale pie, even if you do have to take it home to eat.
Rivercatcher who have a luxury holiday complex on the edge of the village are offering flexible booking for when Wales is open for visitors again.
But the really inspiring story is that of Chris and Caroline Richards who took over the very popular Berwyn Restaurant in February. Only weeks into their new venture and the restaurant was threatened with flooding as the River Ceidiog bursts its banks after weeks of torrential rain, and the less than a month later they had to close its doors to the threat of Covid -19. This has been a very challenging time for them however they have been redecorating their restaurant in preparation for reopening and keeping positive, always a ready smile and a wave as you pass by. Chris has even painted the village’s bus stop which was looking a little worse for wear and no mean feat with some paint donated by local residents, placing them very much in the heart of the community.
Caroline said ‘We found the village very welcoming, the community was so helpful especially when we were in danger of being flooded. We love the villages’ easy way of life and can’t wait to be trading again.’ We can’t either, Caroline.
Caroline and Chris Richards. new owners of the Berwyn Restaurant, Llandrillo.
If you have any inspiring stories to share with us, please get in contact here.