CRWST opens new café at Poppit Sands following Development Bank of Wales support

Popular Cardigan food business CRWST has opened a second café at Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire after securing a six-figure follow-on investment from the Development Bank of Wales.

The Poppit Sands café, which has been trading on a takeaway only basis since April, has just opened its doors for inside dining.

Run by Osian Jones and Catrin Parry Jones, CRWST began as a micro bakery in 2016. Chef Osian gained experience as head chef in a 5* boutique hotel in Cardiff before the couple, both passionate foodies, decided to take the plunge and start their own business back in West Wales. CRWST has been a customer of the Development Bank since early 2018. Their new Poppit Sands café offers takeaway services and has space for 26 covers inside.

Catrin said: “This has always been a dream of ours, and we can’t quite believe that we are now opening our second cafe! It wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Development Bank – they have supported us from start to finish. We are looking forward to welcoming customers inside to dine and show them what we have to offer.”

Osian said: “Food has always been a huge passion of mine and I wanted to create something special in my hometown. I feel very fortunate to be able to offer this at a second venue, and there’s nowhere better than the beautiful Poppit Sands!”

The loan from the Development Bank of Wales has helped fund the refurbishment of the new café. 

The deal was structured on behalf of the Development Bank by portfolio executives Rhian Jones and Richard Easton.

Richard said: “Catrin and Osian opened their first café in Cardigan just over three years ago and CRWST has developed a strong reputation for high quality food and service. It is a testament to their hard work and success that they are now opening their second CRWST café.

“They have identified a great location at Poppit Sands, and the takeaway service has already proven very popular with locals and tourists. This is a really exciting opportunity for Catrin and Osian to further develop the CRWST brand, and I am sure that the new café and takeaway business will be successful.” 

Rhian added: “At the Development Bank of Wales we work closely with our customers to identify and support growth opportunities. Catrin and Osian had a great idea to expand CRWST and we were happy to help. We believe in forging long term partnerships with our customers to support them with their growth aspirations.”

Funding for the deal came from the Wales Business Fund, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Lead image: L-R Osian Jones, Catrin Parry Jones (CRWST), Richard Easton (Development Bank of Wales)