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The Halfway: Pubtopia Turns a Rural Pub into a Lifeline

Introduction

The Halfway in Tal-y-coed has been crowned Wales' Community Support Hero at the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards 2026, presented at a House of Commons reception on 8 September. Nominated by Catherine Fookes MP, Rhiannon Metters and Jason have turned a traditional rural pub into the heart of their community.

What they did

Since taking on The Halfway in 2022, the couple and their customers have set up Pubtopia CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company. Its first project was a village shop in the pub, stocking produce from more than 15 local suppliers in a village with no other shop.

Pubtopia runs creative wellbeing workshops in ceramics, lino printing, glass and felting, and dementia-friendly sessions with live music and affordable food, supported by GAVO. It also hosts CPR and defibrillator training, skills workshops for farmers and jazz nights, and opens the pub as a venue for community use.

Next up is a community vending machine outside the pub offering seven-day access to local food. Plans are also underway for accommodation that will offer respite stays to families caring for seriously ill children, in partnership with local charities.

The community reaction

Workshop attendees regularly mention growing confidence and new friendships. The dementia-friendly sessions have given older residents and carers a place to go together without fear of judgement.

Impact

In a rural area where services can feel a long way off, The Halfway reduces isolation, supports local producers and welcomes walkers on Offa’s Dyke and the Three Castles Walk. It also supports Wales Air Ambulance, Dreams & Wishes and Abergavenny Pride.

Summary

The Halfway asked what its community needed and set about providing it, showing what a modern rural pub can be.

About

The Halfway

The Halfway is a village pub in Tal-y-coed, between Monmouth and Abergavenny, and home to Pubtopia CIC and a community village shop.
Tal-y-coed, Llantilio Crossenny, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8TL
Go to pub website

Local Constituency

Monmouthshire

Local MP

Catherine Fookes
Go to local MP website
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