Cwmbran-based independent Coffi Kitoko has opened its second espresso bar, creating six further jobs and taking their part- and full-time team to 15.
Co-owners Michael Davies and Denis O’Malley opened their first espresso bar in the Cwmbran Centre just over a year ago, upscaling from the coffee cart business they had run in the town centre since 2022.
Former primary school teacher Denis and hairdresser Michael shared a dream of creating community connections around good coffee and food from local suppliers. They have succeeded in establishing a strong social hub for the local community at their award-winning Cwmbran espresso bar and aim to do the same at their new bar at Mamhilad Park Estate (MPE), where 1,500 people work in over 150 businesses.
Coffi Kitoko in the Park has undergone a total refurbishment by businesses also based at MPE, including OTL Construction who completed the building and fitout works, and XL Graphics, who created the signage.
The business uses local, Welsh produce wherever possible with suppliers including nearby Ty Poeth Farm, Daisy Bank Farm in Montgomery, Coaltown Coffee in Ammanford and Abergavenny’s Angel Bakery.
Having won awards for their inclusive welcome and community support, Denis explained that, while swift expansion hadn’t been the plan, the opportunity to create another community hub in an “unusually serene setting” felt right.
“Opening another espresso bar really wasn’t on our radar, but then the local authority approached us about this amazing opportunity here in this beautiful parkland,” he said.
“We’re about community first and foremost and could immediately see the huge potential to be a real hub for the people who work here, the visitors who use the gym, nursery and wellbeing hub, and local residents, too.
“It’s been great to deal direct with the estate’s owner-managers, who have been really supportive with the refurbishment, and connected us with other occupiers to find everything we needed on site. The solicitors who acted for us, Stephens Wilmot, are already customers of ours in Cwmbran and are based here, and we’ve worked with some of our closest neighbours to transform the café. It’s now a contemporary, welcoming space perfect for co-working and meeting or taking time out of a busy day, with excellent wifi, and quieter booths as well as a bookable meeting room.”
Coffi Kitoko in the Park is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4pm, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays.
“The café bar is a vital part of life at Mamhilad Park Estate and we’re delighted Denis and Michael have chosen to open their second base here,” said Mike Whitson of the MPE on-site management team.
“Their Cwmbran espresso bar is so loved by its loyal customers, we know they will bring a special, extra dimension to our Mamhilad Park Estate community here as well as new visitors to Coffi Kitoko in the Park.”
