Former wine trader opens convenience store

A former village shop in Monmouthshire has reopened after being taken over by a new operator who previously worked in the wine trade.

Former wine trader Richard Lewis has branded the store as Hare and Moon Provisions in Llanellen. The store was opened shortly before Christmas.

Change of use planning permission from Monmouthshire County Council was required for the two storey detached building. the shop is on the junction of the main A4042 and the Llanellen turnoff.

It had previously been in use as a convenience store, and was once the village Post Office, but Lewis applied for change of use to also have permission for a cafe as well on the premises. The store is also said to have a wide range of low intervention wines, real ales and ciders along with essentials.

The council approved the application in early December.

Lewis said: “Trading has been solid so far, with the celebratory nature of an opening going hand in hand with the festive season.

“We decided on Llanellen as a location firstly for the beautiful surroundings but we felt there was a service missing in the village with no shop or cafe.

"We hope to build a strong connection with the local people and attract other folks from further afield.”