Vale of Clwyd Senedd member Gareth Davies recently visited Tŷ Ceffyl Bach, a thriving artisan shop in the heart of Llandyrnog, to commend owners Angie and Graham on their nomination for the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards in the Rural Enterprise – Wales category.
Since opening last year, the shop has become a vibrant showcase for rural creativity. Alongside Graham’s own handcrafted items, the shop supports over 20 local businesses, nearly all from Denbighshire, offering a wide selection of handmade gifts, bespoke art, and locally produced goods.
A key highlight of the shop is its strong sense of community and collaboration. From unique artwork, such as a hand-decorated chair by artist Maggie of “Maggie’s Art”, to metalwork from Cooper Lodge, the variety of goods reflects the depth of talent in the region. The shop’s ethos of promoting small, local enterprises has made it a cornerstone of the village.
Tŷ Ceffyl Bach stands on the site of a former butcher's shop, tastefully converted into a retail space. Over the past year, they have hosted events such as summer open days with prosecco and strawberries, encouraging people to “party while you shop”, bringing a fresh and fun experience to the high street.
As the shop celebrated their first anniversary on 3rd May, the Countryside Alliance nomination is timely recognition of the impact the couple have made on the local economy and community spirit. They have begun focusing on developing the shop’s digital presence, including a website and Instagram, and is exploring funding options for marketing support to help take their success even further.
Commenting following the visit, Gareth said:
“It was a real pleasure to visit Tŷ Ceffyl Bach and see up close the warmth and creativity it brings to the village.
“The shop truly captures the best of rural life, exuding community spirit, local talent, and a welcoming atmosphere.
“Angie and Graham’s hard work is clearly paying off, and I’m pleased to see that a year after opening their work has been recognised by the Countryside Alliance Awards.
“They’ve put their heart and soul into their shop which is one of Denbighshire’s hidden gems and provides an example of how rural businesses can thrive.”