Splendiferous! Now you can enjoy sweet dreams at Dahl’s old sweet shop
ROALD Dahl fans can now stay in the former sweet shop which provided inspiration for the Cardiff-born author’s books.
Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop on Llandaff’s High Street was the scene of a childhood prank which is believed to have inspired the legendary writer’s work years later.
The sweet shop, most recently The Great Wall Chinese takeaway, has now been converted into a luxurious AirBnB property, which has 15 beds, four baths and sleeps 21.
With prices starting from £450 per night it’s sure to be popular with visitors wanting to experience first hand one of Dahl’s Cardiff haunts.
The legend has it that while Dahl was a student at The Cathedral School in Llandaff, he played a trick on the reputedly terrifying owner of the sweet shop on Llandaff’s High Street.
That episode – where he put a dead mouse in a gobstopper jar described in the autobiography Boy – is thought to have inspired some of his bestknown tales such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Twits and Matilda.
The blue plaque which marks the site of Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop, which was unveiled in 2009 with Dahl’s widow Liccy and son Theo present, can still be seen on the front of the renovated 19th century building.
The description of the property on the AirBnB website, reveals that it is available for all sorts of visitors: “Newly-renovated property designed as a home away from home to accommodate large groups for family gatherings, stag/hen dos, weddings etc. Situated in a quaint village which is home to Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff Meadow and the river Taff, as well as a number of family run pubs, coffee shops, restaurants and shops. Just a 40-minute walk, 20-minute bus or £10 taxi to Cardiff City Centre.”
The owners of the property are the Lau family, who previously owned the Chinese takeaway.
According to the planning application which was approved by Cardiff Council in 2017, the applicant, Mrs Lau, said the restoration would “benefit the whole area”.
She said she wanted to create something which is not a restaurant or pub.
“The area currently is saturated with coffee shops, restaurants and pubs. The client has noticed many of the nearby restaurants opening/closing in very short time spans as well as a steep decline in her take-away business.
“The client feels that restoring the property and renting it to people who wish to visit the area will help to increase business for the area and locals.The client understands that the property is of high historical value and is tied to Roald Dahl”.
It appears the property has been a hit, given the glowing reviews left on the AirBnb website from recent visitors.
Andreas wrote: “We had a great stay in Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop. Great hospitality and very sweet surprises for the children (both sweets and small toys). The house was very comfortable and conveniently located in a very nice neighbourhood. Beds and shower were great.”
Emily said: “The house is very lovely. We were three adults and four children between the ages of 18 months and seven years. They loved the kids sleeping area and especially the chocolate Easter bunnies they found. I highly recommend for family who love Roald Dahl or who want to experience Cardiff and the surrounding area.”
Mrs Pratchett’s sweet shop is not the only Dahl property in Cardiff where visitors can stay. Guests can also hire the gatehouse lodge where the children’s author used to live.
Ty Mynydd is listed on Airbnb.co.uk as the original gatehouse lodge to the main house on the estate, which was in Radyr.