OVERLOOKING the River Usk, local coffee shops Hi Coffee and Hortons provide customers with a relaxing view over their morning latte within Newport's Millennium Plaza.

Echoing the rich heritage of Usk river trade and the routes of the Newport Medieval Ship, Monusk is a contemporary Deli, wine and tapas bar. Owner, Dr Finn Nesbitt, says his love for food is what pushes him to success.

He said: “I think it is an exciting time for local businesses in Newport. It is an up and coming county with plenty to offer to the locals.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and see the lovely view from the outside, we want to provide something different.”

Weekly music events at the venue is what separates this tapas bar from others according to Dr Nesbitt. All the staff are employed locally and when possible, all the ingredients are sourced from local producers.

“We have a great team of staff here, everyone is enthusiastic. They are a young team and all live locally which is very important for me.”

Weekly specials will also be sold along with the regular tapas to spice up the menu for the customers.

Hortons was opened in October last year by former steelworker Gavin Horton. “I wanted to create something where we treat customers how I want to be treated,” he says over a vanilla chai latte.

“My aim is to deliver what people want and not what I want. We have a lot of regulars and it’s a great feeling knowing you’re satisfying customers.

“Our coffee is the best in Newport according to our customers and we truly believe that. The beans are speciality coffee beans and we only provide the best to our customers.

“We also rent the place out for birthdays and parties and let them enjoy themselves.”

Another coffee shop looking to compete with the big chains, is Hi Coffee. The first outlet opened three years ago on Platform 4 at Newport Railway Station, but the chain wanted to expand their customer base.

Manager Kristian Williams said: “Many of our customers were commuting to and from work, but we wanted to cater to all customers.”

The café also has a selection of wines and beers to complement the menu. Buying their cups for life not only benefits the environment, but you also get a 25p discount off your drink.

Mr Williams added: “It’s great that people are supporting local businesses. The big coffee chains are unmissable, and we hope that in a few years’ time, we can be that big too.

“Newport is definitely on the rise and it is great to see. Customers have definitely appreciated us and that is what we want to hear.”

Although the independent coffee chains will have trouble competing with the big stores, Hi Coffee believe they have something unique.

“Our coffee is a signature blend, blended from Glasgow so we know you can only get that taste here. We’re confident our coffee is the best in Newport.”

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