When I was a young teen, my friend James and I worked as paperboys in Peter the Papers in Bryncoch – a snug establishment tucked in the heart of the village, pressed up against the premises of our local school and occupying the final space in a row of shops.
But after years of printed ink and penny sweets, Peter the Papers closed its doors, retired the racks of magazines, and we hung up our luminous paper-round bags.
What followed was a succession of places trying to fill the space. All successful ventures in their own right, but none stood the test of time. And none, for me, replicated the sense of community that came with Peter the Papers. That was until 2024 with the launch of Red Hill Coffee.
Buying into the Bryncoch community
Occupying the cherished site where Peter the Papers once stood, Red Hill Coffee didn’t waste any time becoming a new favourite among locals. The doors, wide open to everyone from early morning school-goers to weekend walkers, signal a fresh chapter in Bryncoch community life.
Red Hill Coffee‘s Director, Ben Dobson, explained: “From the very beginning, when we first set off on this journey, it was always our goal to provide a coffee culture that’s welcoming for all and we’re confident that we’ve achieved this with Red Hill Coffee.”
That coffee culture now extends far beyond drinks and dishes even though the cafe buzzes with the familiar rhythms of local life: students from the neighbouring school nipping in for breakfast baps, young families gathering for afternoon treats, and older residents finding a new favourite table for their regular catch-ups.
Running a coffee shop that breaks the mould
Since launch, Red Hill Coffee has found new avenues to bring the different tapestries of village life together, creating a something-for-everyone space centred in one location.
There’s much to cover. For the athletic, the ones trying to look after their body, the ones trying to find a new group to join, Red Hill Coffee facilitates a Run Club.
Red Hill Coffee has previously stated: “With every step, our Run Club is becoming more than just a run – it’s a way for the community to come together, get in the steps, share a chat, and, of course, a coffee which we provide at no extra cost to all Run Clubbers.”
Every stride is celebrated for those pounding the pavements and hitting the hills, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking to work on your wellbeing with likeminded locals. And this approach clearly works, as Red Hill Coffee has now forged an exciting partnership with Pure Gym that has opened even more exciting opportunities such as Hyrox events.
Exploring connection and creativity
But Red Hill Coffee isn’t just about movement and momentum – it’s also about the power of pausing, sharing a story, or sparking a little friendly competition. As the weeks go by, the cafe’s calendar fills with moments that invite everyone in, no running shoes required.
From cozy book club gatherings, where pages are turned and spirited conversations jump from new releases to local authors, to the much-anticipated quiz nights that transform the shop floor into a battleground of brains and banter – there’s an event for every interest and every personality.
Among these standouts, a lasting image of South Wales’ Michael Sheen, sharing a moment with Jess Webb, a member of Red Hill Coffee’s own book club. Together, they co-authored ‘A Home For Spark The Dragon’, which aims to raise awareness and funds for the rise of homelessness. Inspiration in action.
In a similar vein, Red Hill Coffee also hosted an event on World Book Night where local historian Jordan Brinkworth gave a talk on the local area of Neath. The event, such a success, that by the end of the night every single copy of his own book, ‘Neath: Romans, Raids & Revolutions: A Short History of Neath from the Ice Age to the Modern Day’ was sold out.
And beyond the books, the shop’s owners have quietly looked out for Bryncoch whenever it counts. After Storm Darragh, when the village was briefly left without power, Red Hill Coffee quickly offered a warm, welcoming spot. With the log fire lit, Wi-Fi humming, and plenty of hot drinks and bites on hand, the cafe became an easy place for anyone needing to catch up on work, coursework, or simply warm up. Dogs welcome too, of course. It was a small gesture, but one that says a lot about how Red Hill Coffee looks after its village, day in and day out.
Deepening its commitment to fostering a sustainable, connected village culture where community bonds are strengthened, Red Hill Coffee has even staged farmer’s markets on its forecourt, with BBQ smoke hanging in the air and a variety of local produce getting the love it deserves.
To me, wonderfully, the warmth of the old Peter the Papers lingers here – not just in memory, but in the humdrum of locals that pass through the door once more. Red Hill Coffee has created a space that thrives.
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