03-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Where to find culturally inclusive meals in Newport
Located at 92 Commercial Street, the project opened to a full house, with residents, volunteers, and a cross-party roster of politicians showing up to support. Among the dignitaries were Senedd members Natasha Asghar, Peredur Owen Griffiths and Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iowerth.
'This is what real community looks like,' said Asghar. 'People from all walks of life coming together to feed each other with dignity and love.'
Ms Ashgar added that events like this bring the whole community together.
The Open Table serves culturally inclusive meals in a café-style setting, while The Open Pantry offers affordable groceries via a membership model. Both sit under the Newport Multibank umbrella and are supported by the Welsh Government, WCVA, Comic Relief and countless local donors.
The launch also revealed a Cwtch Chai a new on-site 'skills café' offering free barista training to boost employability in a supportive space. 'It's about confidence, culture, and community,' said Project Manager Tariq Khan.
Tariq explained the services reach out across all of Newport and is not tied to any one group, faith or community.
The day featured partnerships with organisations like the Salvation Army and Samaritans and previewed two upcoming creative projects: Sofa Stories, a platform for local voices, an d Men Tell, a mental health initiative using spoken word and conversation.
Guests later visited nearby Feed Newport, witnessing the compassion and commitment behind Baby Basics and the Soup Kitchen, challenging recent negative portrayals of Pillgwenlly.
Open weekdays, The Open Table & Pantry says it stands as a bold new hub of solidarity in Newport, where everyone is welcome, and no one is alone.
