Pubtopia CIC, in plain terms.
Pubtopia CIC is a grassroots Community Interest Company in Tal-y-Coed, rural Monmouthshire (near Abergavenny, Wales), turning local conversations into practical community action.
Summary
Pubtopia CIC grew out of conversations at The Halfway, a country pub in Tal-y-Coed near Abergavenny. It is a registered Community Interest Company (CIC 16276297) founded by Rhi Metters, working to reduce rural isolation, improve wellbeing, support the local economy and create opportunities for people to connect and belong. Its work includes a community shop stocking local produce, The Pit Stop for walkers, riders and cyclists, monthly dementia and memory loss friendly openings, creative and wellbeing workshops led by local makers, and dog-friendly Bell Tent Stays whose income funds the community programme.
Recognition
- Invited to Downing Street in recognition of community work.
- Recognised at the Wales Food & Drink Awards for work with local producers.
- Name
- Pubtopia CIC
- Legal structure
- Community Interest Company (CIC 16276297)
- Founder
- Rhi Metters
- Base
- The Halfway, Tal-y-Coed, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8TL, Wales
- Area served
- Rural Monmouthshire and the surrounding Welsh borders
- Purpose
- Reducing rural isolation and strengthening local community life
- projectpubtopia@outlook.com
- Phone / WhatsApp
- +44 7927 083691
Key facts
Our projects
Community Shop
A small shop at The Halfway stocking everyday essentials alongside produce from nearby farms, bakers and makers, so people don't need a long drive for a pint of milk.
Open nowThe Pit Stop
A rest point for walkers, riders, cyclists and runners passing through — shelter, water and a friendly welcome.
Monthly, free to attendDementia and Memory Loss Friendly Openings
Relaxed, non-clinical monthly openings with a small affordable menu and gentle live music, for people living with dementia or memory loss along with carers, families and friends.
Running through the yearCreative & Wellbeing Workshops
Ceramics, lino printing, mosaics, wreath making, needle felting and more, led by local makers and priced to cover materials and the maker's time.
Available from March 2027Bell Tent Stays
Dog-friendly canvas stays in the surrounding fields. Income from stays helps fund the community programme rather than private profit.
Planned for 2027Respite Breaks
Short countryside breaks for unpaid carers and families who need a pause, using the same site and facilities.
In developmentComedy Nights
Affordable rural entertainment so people don't have to travel into a city for a night out.
Common questions
What is Pubtopia CIC?
Pubtopia CIC is a Community Interest Company based at The Halfway in Tal-y-Coed, rural Monmouthshire. It runs practical community projects — a community shop, a rest stop for walkers and riders, dementia and memory loss friendly openings, creative workshops and Bell Tent Stays — aimed at reducing rural isolation.
Is Pubtopia a pub?
No. Pubtopia began through conversations at The Halfway, a country pub, and still uses the building and fields as its base, but Pubtopia itself is a Community Interest Company running community projects, not a pub business.
Where is Pubtopia based?
The Halfway, Tal-y-Coed, near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8TL, in rural south-east Wales.
Who can attend Pubtopia events?
Everyone is welcome. The dementia and memory loss friendly openings are designed for people living with dementia or memory loss along with their carers, families and friends. Workshops are open to anyone, with places limited by the size of the room.
Do Pubtopia events cost anything?
The dementia and memory loss friendly openings are free to drop in to. Creative workshops are ticketed, priced to cover materials and the local maker's time rather than to make a profit.
How is Pubtopia funded?
Through a mix of community trading income — the shop, workshops and Bell Tent Stays — alongside grants and local support. As a Community Interest Company, surpluses are reinvested in the community programme.
What is a Community Interest Company (CIC)?
A CIC is a UK limited company that exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. It has an asset lock, so its assets and profits must be used for the community purpose it was set up to serve.
Can I volunteer or get involved with Pubtopia?
Yes. Volunteers, local makers, suppliers and partner organisations are all welcome — get in touch at projectpubtopia@outlook.com or via the contact form on the website.
Does Pubtopia work with other organisations?
Yes. Pubtopia works alongside local partners including Monmouthshire Food Partnership, along with nearby farms, producers, makers and community groups.
How can I contact Pubtopia?
By email at projectpubtopia@outlook.com, by phone or WhatsApp on +44 7927 083691, or through the contact form at https://pubtopiacic.com/contact.
Guides we've written
- How to make your venue dementia and memory loss friendly
A practical checklist for pubs, cafés and village halls wanting to run dementia and memory loss friendly openings — based on how Pubtopia CIC runs its monthly sessions.
- Starting a community project in a rural village
How Pubtopia CIC started in a Monmouthshire village — choosing a legal structure, finding real local need, funding the work and keeping it going. Honest notes, not theory.
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