Food historian and TV chef Seren Charrington-Hollins has secured the catering franchise at the new Hafan yr Afon visitor and community centre which is due to open this coming Saturday.
 
Bubbling Stove Bistro, owned and run by Seren Charrington-Hollins, has secured the catering franchise at Hafan Yr Afon which is set to initially open to the public on the weekend of September 3 and 4 to coincide with Newtown Food Festival.

In a statement by Open Newtown, they confirmed that Seren and her team will be offering refreshments, cream teas, icecreams and afternoon tea over the weekend, allowing them to showcase their cakes, locally sourced tea, coffee, wines, dairy and other produce.

To allow the fitting of additional kitchen equipment, Hafan Yr Afon will then close until the official opening with a full menu on Saturday, September 10.

Bubbling Stove Bistro is creating 10 full and part-time jobs at the new environmentally sustainable building on the banks of the River Severn alongside Back Lane car park.

A chef, food historian and author, who has appeared on multiple TV shows, Seren  will be offering a seasonal menu focused on the best local and Welsh produce. Her new venture will cater for community groups, local residents, visitors, weddings, events and festivals.

Bubbling Stove Bistro will be open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday. Food will be served daily, accompanied by a fine selection of wines, craft beers, teas and coffee.

The menu will include Dutch pancakes, bubble waffles, home-made pizzas and other food items targeted at young people together with plant-based, gluten and allergen free options

Dogs will be welcome and special treats, such as Bottom Sniffer beer and canine ice cream will be available for them. People with muddy boots and those out exercising in Newtown’s green spaces and on the River Severn will be warmly welcomed.

Seren explained:
 
“We are not trying to replicate the existing food offering in Newtown which has some great places to eat and to have a coffee and cake,”

“We are bringing something new to Newtown, with competitively priced specials changing daily, small plates and small versions of meals to suit all budgets.

“We want to offer food at a fair price and engage local suppliers wherever we can. Our all day menu will change seasonally and will be tailored to give our diners the perfect choice for dining out with friends and family

“We are committed to sourcing local food and drink wherever possible and also to showcasing the best Welsh artisan producers. We are fortunate to be working with great tea blenders, coffee roasters, vineyards and more from the local area.”

Forming an attractive gateway to Newtown’s green and blue spaces, Hafan Yr Afon has been built by Open Newtown, community focused development trust, with funding and support from the Welsh Government, National Lottery Community Fund Wales, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Powys County Council.

Open Newtown describes the new building as a welcome break, an attraction and a new experience, encouraging people to explore river walks and areas of natural beauty.

This project received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.