‘I visited cosmopolitan corner of North Wales that’s thriving’

Last week, I found myself basking in the sun-soaked charm of Craig-y-Don, a village in Conwy that’s fast becoming a cosmopolitan hotspot.

No longer living in the shadow of its neighbour Llandudno, this quaint locale is carving out its own identity as a go-to destination for foodies and shoppers alike, all while boasting the stunning North Shore on its doorstep.

After parking up, I took a leisurely stroll along the Prom, marvelling at the sun-kissed slopes of the Little Orme, which looked particularly majestic under the afternoon sun.

But the real adventure began when I ventured into the heart of the village, where an international array of cafes and independent shops awaited.

From Carmen’s Asian Mini Market to Rousta’s Greek restaurant and takeaway, Sylhet Spice Indian restaurant, and Casa Reme Delicatessen and Coffee Vino, there was no shortage of options to satiate any hunger or thirst.

The independent shops also held their own allure, with Carmen’s Asian Mini Market catching my eye.

Stocking a variety of Chinese, Thai, Filipino and Malay foods, the shop is run by Andy Boddis, whose wife Carmen — full name Yue Ming — is originally from Shenzen, China.

Their store is a feast for the senses, with Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling and shelves laden with bags of rice, packs of smoked paprika and Gormeh Salzi – a Persian beef stew with dried limes, fenugreek and fresh herbs.

Andy exclaimed: “Customers used to go to Liverpool or Manchester for their Asian food. Now they come here – it saves them time.”

He also observed a shift in dining habits: “Rather than have a takeaway, people are cooking Asian food themselves. You know exactly what the ingredients are and there are recipes on YouTube.”

As Andy shared his insights on the growing passion for home-cooked Asian cuisine, I continued to explore the array of businesses lining Queen’s Road. There’s an antiques shop that has managed to snag a “BROADMOOR CRIMINAL LUNATIC ASYLUM” sign, its origin shrouded in mystery

The street also boasts Benard’s Gallery, The Little Shop of Hairdo’s, and The Quilting Bee – a haven for quilting and haberdashery enthusiasts.

The proprietor of The Quilting Bee, Helen Wilson, has noticed an uptick in popularity, with her colleague Julie Roberts reporting, “Our customers come from the Llyn Peninsula, Wrexham, Chester and Shrewsbury.”

American tourists in North Wales also make sure to drop by.

Ms. Roberts proudly declared, “Craig-y-Don is a community hub now,” noting the bustling sewing classes held upstairs – one notably instructed by Debra, famed as a 2022 finalist in BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee.

Stepping back onto the streets, I regretted that my schedule didn’t allow for a visit to the Cask and Apple craft beer bar or the Ascot Tapproom micropub.

But it was clear, Craig-y-Don offers a lot more than expected, complete with Queens Park, tennis courts and a Kadampa Buddhist centre.

It’s a hidden gem, and the word is spreading fast.