A picturesque market town has been recognised as boasting one of the nation’s most outstanding independent high streets.
Crickhowell in Wales has become a sanctuary where independent businesses thrive. After securing the accolade of UK’s Best High Street, it defies the broader national pattern with its cherished and regularly visited shops. The town’s High Street maintains an impressive record of no empty units, while family-run businesses that have served locals across multiple generations continue to flourish.
Those looking for a peaceful location to savour a drink should consider The Bear pub. With more than 600 years of heritage, the venue showcases a cobblestone courtyard and a period archway leading to an inner courtyard space. In 2010, The Good Pub Guide crowned it with their Inn of the Year honour. While far younger in comparison, Webbs has been embedded in the town’s identity since 1936.
The business began when its creator established a paraffin distribution operation, which evolved into a hardware and ironmongers outlet before growing throughout the years into the department store visible today. Local authorities describe Webbs as “the grande dame of Crickhowell’s shopping scene.”
The town truly boasts an outstanding selection of exceptional shopping venues deserving attention, including Black Mountains Smokery, Minster Auctions, the highly-regarded Bacchus Off Licence, and Antur Brew, a craft brewery complete with tap room and bottle shop located on the Elvicta Estate on Crickhowell’s outskirts.
At a moment when conventional high streets face decline, progressively dominated by corporate chains, vaping shops and betting establishments, communities like Crickhowell – where independent traders truly command the town centre and receive robust community backing – are growing increasingly scarce.
Visit Crickhowell emphasises the town’s distinctive qualities. “Crickhowell High Street is one of the few shopping streets left in the country where local businesses sell local produce and local products. It recalls a long lost era when all high streets reflected the character of their town and had their own identity. Here you will be welcomed by friendly and knowledgeable shopkeepers who take a real pride in what they sell,” its website states.
The Telegraph recently placed Crickhowell among Britain’s finest high streets in its top ten rankings. “Crickhowell is tiny, but you’ll nevertheless stop every few metres to nose around its shops… Locals have staunchly resisted the tidal wave of chains and here the great British high street lives on, with a butcher, baker and a sprinkling of independent shops from delis to art galleries and bookshops. A vision of pastel-painted Georgian loveliness, Crickhowell feels especially festive in the blue of dusk, when there’s a nip in the air and the lights are aglow in its houses and pubs,” the publication noted.
The town possesses a fascinating historical legacy spanning many generations. Initially established as a motte-and-bailey stronghold, presumably throughout the 1100s, Crickhowell Castle underwent stone reconstruction under Sir Grimbald Pauncefote in 1272.
Although the fortress has been reduced to remnants, the striking Grade I listed Porth-Mawr double-storey gatehouse survives in exceptional condition and is well worth exploring.
Such qualities have captivated local inhabitants, who told WalesOnline of their fondness for the place. One resident observed: “It’s no surprise to see Crickhowell on the list, considering the Brecon Beacons town was crowned Best High Street of the Year in 2018.”
Another local resident declared enthusiastically, “It may be small, but it is mighty! In 2022 there was just one chain shop, with locals preferring to put their money behind local butchers and bakers. The town has spent years attempting to block plans for a Co-op (which sadly failed to beat the conglomerate) but locals say that the high street’s late-night shopping is like a street party.”
The town’s tourism board highlights Crickhowell as a perfect launching point for exploring the southern Black Mountains and its picturesque surroundings. During the Christmas season, residents and visitors flock to the popular late-night shopping experience and festive market, brimming with stalls offering crafts, presents and live entertainment.
