For an awfully long time this was the only Whittards in all of Wales (I know, travesty indeed!). I…read morewas this shop, therefore, which was the acting foundation for my love of the brand. This shop is an outlet shop, and is therefore significantly cheaper than other stores. They constantly have the 3 for 2 offer on instant teas and hot chocolates (I was so used to this that I assumed it was across the board and had a shock once in Leamington Spa). They have just as good a range, if not better of all their products, and it's the largest store I've ever been into. They are particularly good for cups, saucers and teapots. Guess where mine are all from. The thing I love about the staff in these shop is that they're aware of how easy it is to sell their product, they love it, and take no shame in it. They still manage to get excited when they give you a sample of the white chocolate and strawberry hot chocolate, or the new peach melba tea. In short, this store is worth the trip to Bridgend Designer Outlet alone; it's the most colourful and exciting, and genuinely good, shop in the precinct. Let us drink tea.

As soon as I entered my senses were assaulted on all sides by a host of the most amazing smells! I…read moredon' think I have ever seen so many different varieties of teas and coffees all in one place! Whilst I was browsing a friendly sales assistant called Kris, came over and invited me to sample a glass of cold apple tea. I was a bit dubious at first but it was gorgeous! I followed this up with a tasting of pina colada flavoured tea which I couldn't resist buying! In fact I took advantage of their 3 for 2 offer and bought a tin of pina colada tea, hot white chocolate powder, and a jar of Irish flavoured instant coffee flavoured instant coffee all for £10! The shop also had some amazing jelly and ice cream flavoured sweets. They also stocked a range of coloured teapots, coffee pots, mugs etc... all of which would brighten any kitchen!

This is not you regular Thorntons store. Instead of their usual selection of chocolates, this store…read moresells misshapes and end of line products at discount prices. This is really great just before Christmas or something; you can stock up on tasty treats. But these chocolates have very basic packaging (just simple clear plastic bags and such), so aren't really all that great if it's gifts you're after. That being said, there are a few boxes of chocolates and bars on offer here too. Sometimes I can't tell at all why these might be offer, unless they're close to expiration or not selling well elsewhere. But at other times there might be dents or scratches on the packaging. Anyway, this place is generally worth a quick visit. But it's often fairly crowded, so you might want to escape again fast.

As Tanya has mentioned, this place sells the mis shapes and rejected litlle chocolates…read more I like them because i'm convinced that they have less calories. Perfect for stocking up on treats for the guilt cupboard.

Now, I certainly won't say that this shop alone is worth the trip to Cowbridge, but I will…read morecertainly imply it heavily. This is a charming little shop tucked away off the main road passing through the town, so you might not immediately see it. It's easy to find though, and is very near the main parking zone. The staff in Cocoa & Co are very lovely, and clearly take a pride in their products. They have a good range of handmade chocolates and gifts, but the thing that really makes this shop something special, are the sugar-covered almonds. In all different colours, jars of them fill a wall. These are my favourite of sweets, so I was very, very excited when I first found them. But they're great for wedding favours, and Cocoa & Co specialise in making these up, if you're so inclined.

You will find Cocoa & Co down a quaint little mews off the High Street at the top end of Cowbridge…read more You can get there by turning right after Arthur John Hardware. (I had lived in Cowbridge for six months before I discovered this beautiful little mews!) Being a chocoholic this is my kind of shop, and although expensive, the treats that they have on offer are our of this world... so, essentially well worth the extra dollar! Although i have never indulged in anything but the handmade chocs, they also sell a pretty broad assortment of other sweets, that are bought in from other cottage industries and small manufacturers. The interior of the shop is like something you would expect to find in a period film about the Victorian era... it has that other-worldly charm going on about it! A real delight!

Amazing choice of unusual ice cream flavors - I went for a double cone of Sherry Trifle and Wild…read moreStrawberry flavors. There were also nice looking cakes. Friendly staff.

A reason in and of itself to drive out to West Wales. This place is a Must Stop any time my wife…read moreand I venture west of Swansea. Chocolates bought here rarely last all the way home to Cardiff...

Mm, mmm, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!…read more My step father is a continental confectioner and also a Master Baker... you have to be careful how you say that, or it can cause eruptive bouts of hysteria! Anyway, he makes things that are out of this world, but he has somewhat inconveniently moved to Holland with my mother! They say your first fix is free, and they're not wrong! I'm now utterly addicted to the finer things in life, and this is where I come to get my hit! The stuff that these guys do is equally as good as, if not better than what my stepfather used to make me... sorry Ray! You have got to try this place... it's a total must! And if you like it here, then you have to try Simply Steve's in Splott (Clifton Street).

This authentic French patisserie brings a continental flavour to Whitchurch Road, baking great hand…read moremade produce on site, in view of its customers. Although it's quite new, it already seems to have gained a good following, with plenty of people sat inside the window whenever I wander past. They sell cakes, tarts, savoury pastries, tea and coffee, and also make up fresh sandwiches - but it's their cakes that will be luring me back in through the door. They have a mouth-watering selection, but my favourites are the ones with crème pâtissière sandwiched between flaky pastry.

Chocolate wasted! Literally. These boozy chocolates are like having a shot... Wow! Go home drunk,…read moreyou're chocolate. I mean... Go home chocolate, you're drunk. I mean... I'm moving to Wales just for this alcoholic's dream: boozy chocolates! Hiccup. Oh. And, they have a ton of non-alcoholic, delicious chocolates too, for those who don't understand what kind of magical-bliss-heaven-paradise is found in a piece of delectable chocolate that serves as a shot too. Also, I suggest a chaser. This is one STRONG, POTENT bite. Trust me. I wouldn't (hiccup) steer you (hiccup) wrong (hiccup). Goodnight. Oops, I forgot to say we tried the whiskey one and the pink champagne truffles. Beautiful. Ok. Goodnight. Hiccup.

Wally's deli version 2 is the Arcades Wally's sweeter cousin. Bustling with Easter goodies at the…read moremoment it's hard to tell what is normally carried, but I for one do not give a damn when their is so much scrumptious chocolate on display. Being an upmarket deli, you'll get lots of beautifully decorated food. You pay for it, but your paying for quality that feels deserved. I love the shop as well, floor to ceiling glass and brightly lit, Wally's oozes with metropolitan class. You great great service, with lovely staff. Put all those ingredients in a blender and you've got your self tasty metaphorical pie.

I've been going to the Wallys Delicatessens in the Morgan arcade for years, so was very interested…read moreto see what I would make of their first ever new store in the St David's 2 center. On the whole I was quite satisfied and impressed. The store is not as big as the original, nor does it have as much stock. This is for the better though, as it is ascetically pleasing, and I have often felt that the other store packs far too much in. A further difference is that this new store focuses far more on the sweeter things in life. There is a mouthwatering selection of handmade chocolates, a wide variety of old fashioned sweets, and some simply breathtaking gingerbread houses, which are already on my Christmas list for next year. They do sell some of the more savory products (though if that's what your after I'd head for their other store), including a rather nice selection of oils, which are far superior to anything you get in a supermarket. Finally the great thing about this store, is that it really makes a nice change from all the big brand names that dominate St David's 2. It's so nice to see an independent retailer doing so well, and I would truly encourage anyone to check out Wallys.

I bought the chocolate as a gift for a family member who lives abroad, and they liked it! It was…read morebeautifully packed, and the chocolates are delicious. Thank you very much.

When people tell me they don't like chocolate, I feel suspicious about them. When people tell me…read morethey don't like Minerva Chocolate, I trust them even less. This may seem a little unfair, but trust me - anyone who doesn't enjoy a hot chocolate in their cafe, or one of their Belgium treats is NOT my sort of person. This cafe-cum-chocolatiers on Cheap Street is a chocolaholic's paradise. The friendly staff are at hand to tell you everything you want about these sweet treats, and will lure you into buying more than you wanted with free samples of the wickedly tempting stuff. They also host confectionery making parties for an alternative hen party; but brides beware. You may not fit into your dress after an evening at Minerva!

Right in the heart of historic Monmouth town centre on Monnow Street, this independently owned…read morechocolatier founded in 2006 was a real find. Its small, well ordered premises were brimming with chocolate based goodies. Best of all much of it was made on the premises, using Belgian Callebaut couverture chocolate as the base. Under their own brand Mon Cacao range, more than 46 varieties are available, with a variety of dark, milk and white chocolate on offer. They also sold milkshakes, ice creams etc. Well worth a visit. You can also order online via their website.

This shop has closed now (pretty much like most of the other independent shops in Monmouth!) It's…read morebeen replaced by Topstak, they sell and install stoves & fires http://www.topstak.co.uk/monmouth-showroom.php