48 hours in NARBERTH & the Pembrokeshire Coast

Much feted for its food scene, the small Welsh town of Narberth can also be applauded for its vintage and antiques offering, which has blossomed in recent years, says Rosanna Morris

- Rosanna Morris

Wander the streets of Narberth on a Saturday morning and you'll no doubt come across local residents out and about, greeting their friends and neighbours, such is the community spirit of this pretty hillside town in Pembrokeshire. Everyone knows everyone, it seems, which might explain why small businesses thrive here - and why, as a result, townsfolk and visitors are treated to an enviable collection of independent shops, mainly focused on food (there's a food festival every September), but also antiques and interiors.

Narberth's essence is captured in the colourful Edwardian and Georgian buildings that line its centre. The town's old bank buildings, too, are a testament to this vibrant community - when the banks closed down, as they've done in market towns up and down the UK, the cavernous period buildings didn't stand empty for long. They were quickly filled with more independent businesses, including an antiques store, a fine-dining restaurant and an artisan bakery. There's much to admire here, and Narberth also makes a perfect base from which to head south to the seaside village of Saundersfoot in search of more antiques and magnificent coastal views.

Shop
Useful & Beautiful Things

The stunning shopfront and pavement display lure you inside Mark and Ruth's brilliant shop, which they opened in the former Barclays Bank building three years ago. The store has now become something of a mecca as well as an icon of Narberth, and the interior is fun to browse while music plays. It's one of those antiques stores in which you're completely immersed as you move through the rooms, weaving your way around Welsh blankets, Ewenny pottery, apothecary chests, silver teapots, decorative tiles and more. 5 St James St; @usefulandbeautifulthings