Designer Bethan Gray reveals her favourite Welsh getaway
DESIGNER BETHAN GRAY GIVES US A WONDERFUL WHISTLE-STOP TOUR OF ABERTEIFI (CARDIGAN), WALES
originally from Wales, the award-winning furniture and homeware designer Bethan Gray set up her eponymous London-based practice in 2008 after a decade as Habitat’s design director. Her work focuses on craftsmanship, culture and collaboration, combining endangered traditional skills with technology and contemporary design. As well as Bethan’s own exquisite collections, the brand has partnered with 1882 Ltd, Anthropologie and, most recently, luxury Italian hand-knotted rug company, cc-tapis. We caught up with Bethan on her favourite Welsh getaway.
First things first, best time to go?
Summer is best for longer days, beach life and beautiful sunsets.
Where should we stay?
Fforest (coldatnight.co.uk) is wonderful for glamping as a family. There are different accommodation options, from beautiful domes with a view to renovated farmhouses, all created with impeccable taste.
Best place for local delicacies?
Glynhynod farm shop for delicious, artisan Teifi cheese and Dà Mhìle distillery to pick up some organic whisky.
Local label to know?
Hiut Denim – all the jeans are made in Cardigan, bringing manufacturing back to town and they offer free repairs for life.
Where to stop for a coffee?
Crwst is a cafe in town but they have just opened a new cafe at Poppit Sands beach.
Restaurant to head for?
Pizzatipi on the riverfront in town serves stonebaked handmade pizza. It has beautiful views along the river Teifi and a huge tipi for any weather.
Your favourite spot for a cocktail?
I’m looking forward to trying an espresso martini at the newest bar in town,
Yr Hen Printworks.
Your perfect day trip?
I’d base it around a beach – Mwnt, Poppit Sands, Cwm yr Eglwys or Llangrannog beach are my favourites – and I’d start with a swim. Then for lunch, a seasonal set menu takeaway from @tymor.cymru (zaatar paneer with charred leek, dandelion honey and tahini mayo). Late afternoon I’d head out on a boat trip to see the dolphins at sunset or stand up paddleboard along the River Teifi.
Which local craftspeople should we check out?
Peter Bodenham is a local ceramicist in St. Dogmaels and he has a small shop front at his studio. My favourite pieces are hand-thrown mugs in black and cream – he also experiments with local clay.
Best gallery?
Canfas Gallery is an independent art gallery that has a selection of Welsh artists, painters and sculptors. Look out for the uplifting and vibrant landscape oil paintings by Eloise Govier.
Don’t leave without visiting...
Mwnt – my favourite beach – it is a truly magical place. Last year a dolphin came into the bay while I was swimming there, and make sure you walk to the top to see the 360° views.