Our Home: Discover the Best of Mumbles and the Gower

Introduction

At O&O we are extremely proud of the area that we have called home for over 18 years. The charm of the small winding streets of Mumbles, the unbeatable view of the Swansea bay, and the deep feeling of history around every corner. On our doorstep is the Gower Peninsula, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful coastal areas that the UK has to offer. All of the elements highlighted have led both Mumbles and the Gower to become highly popular with tourists over the past few years. One very important element that can go overlooked is the myriad of independent businesses that we are lucky enough to call our neighbours, they truly make this area special.  We thought we would write this post just to highlight some of our favourite businesses in the place we call home.

Joes Ice cream

Joes is an absolute institution in the area. In 1922 Joe Cascarini opened the first Joes Ice Cream Parlour, serving up the beloved Vanilla Gelato, created using a secret formula that Joe brought with him from his home in Italy. Over time Joes has come to represent one of, if not the, most widely loved Swansea businesses. No trip to our area would be complete without a taste of Joes Ice cream, their Vanilla is the best representation of the unique character of their ice cream, and their Mumbles ice cream parlour allows you to take a seaside stroll along the promenade while enjoying a delicious treat.

Selwyn’s

Continuing on the theme of locally beloved foods, Selwyns, based in Penclawdd, offers a taste of the superb local seafood, including the iconic Welsh food, Laverbread. Penclawdd, on the North Gower coastline, is widely regarded for its seafood, being referred to as the home of Welsh cockle picking and laverbread making. Selwyn’s has a played a great role in this, having been offering up the best of this produce since 1945.

Originally Selwyn Jones would drive his van around the Welsh Valleys bringing a taste of the Ocean to the mountains. The business quickly gained a reputation for providing the highest quality produce, and grew into the stalwart of Welsh seafood it is today, supplying the very best fishmongers, restaurants, bars and retail outlets in the UK.

If you are a seafood lover visiting Mumbles or the Gower, be sure to include a trip to Selwyn’s Seafood Shack, factory visitor’s centre and shop. For a taste of traditional Welsh fare try their Laverbread and cockles and if you want a real treat maybe one of their locally caught lobsters!

Beach House

It is hard to imagine a better setting to sample the beautiful produce that the Gower has to offer than the stunning Oxwich Bay. Beach House is a Michelin Star awarded Restaurant based out of a rugged ex coal store building settled on the sand of Oxwich Bay, on a high tide just a few metres from the Ocean.  Head Chef Hywel Griffith offers a sophisticated menu that truly brings light to the calibre of Welsh produce, with a particular focus on that from the Gower and Mumbles area. If you are lucky enough to partake in their 8 course tasting menu, you will enjoy Lobster caught in the very bay in which the restaurant is situated. Beach House is an incredible experience and is truly representing the Gower at the highest culinary level.

Tuckers Butcher’s

For many, a visit to the Mumbles and Gower, means camping or caravaning in the Summer, and enjoying a delicious barbecue on the beach, or back at the campsite after a long walk. Tuckers Butchers in Mumbles offers an outstanding selection of the best meat from around the local area, including the world famous Gower Salt Marsh Lamb, and award winning Gower Beef. Tuckers have won a number of awards, and have a clear dedication to their craft, and to the produce of the area in which they were born and raised. Their barbecue selection is unmatched, and sure to go down well on a summers day along with a locally brewed Gower Ale.

Olives & Oils Delicatessen

Our deli in Mumbles offers a wide range of the finest cheeses, charcuterie, and ingredients, from across Wales and beyond. Whether you’re looking for supplies for a picnic on a summers day in Mumbles, that one ingredient that you cant find anywhere, cheese and wine to enjoy after a long Gower walk, or speciality olive oil and olives for a refreshing salad on a hot summers day come down to the deli and we will be able to help.

All of our products are carefully selected by ourselves and we do not stock anything that we don't love. Come down to the deli for our full range, or browse our website to see what we have to offer!

Conclusion

Of course there are many other businesses that we have yet to name, however in the future we will add to this list. And if you come into the deli, we can certainly give you lots more recommendations!

We hope that you enjoy your trip to our special part of the world, and get to experience the independent businesses that continue to generate an increased appreciation for the local produce and history that makes the Gower and Mumbles so unique.