Halen a Pupur goes from strength to strength!

by Angharad Evans, FUW Office & Business Support Coordinator

Caffi Halen a Pupur, Halen a Pupur ar y Rhewl, Halen a Pupur ar y Prom, and Caffi Mart Tregaron – now that’s a long list of thriving businesses in the heart of Ceredigion, and there’s one successful businesswoman at the helm, Morfudd Pugh. And by now, we can also add Royal Welsh Show caterers to the list, following a highly successful week catering in the Union pavilion. After the hustle and bustle of the Royal Welsh, I had a quick conversation with Morfudd about the success of Halen a Pupur. I first asked her what it was like to cater at the Royal Welsh this year?

“Having the opportunity to cater at the Royal Welsh Show was an amazing experience and a huge milestone for Halen a Pupur,” explained Morfudd. “If you would have told me when we opened the café for the first time in 2024 that we would be catering at the Royal Welsh just over two years later, I’m not sure I would have believed you!

“Serving breakfast and dinner every day at the Union pavilion, as well as providing food and a bar during the evenings was a good experience. We were also pleased to have been able to bring together some special collaborators outside the pavilion, with the small van selling milkshake and waffles using products from two other small businesses in Ceredigion, namely the gelato from Llaeth Llanfair and Llaeth Teulu Jenkins.

“It was a very busy week and a bit of a challenge, especially as all other branches of the Halen a Pupur business were still being run at the same time. But seeing the team work together, the service flowing and so many people enjoying our food made all the hard work worthwhile.

“It was also a privilege to bring Halen a Pupur to such a big stage, at an event that means so much to us as people from an agricultural background. I was extremely proud of what we were able to achieve. It was an intense, exciting experience, and a little hectic at times, but certainly one I’ll never forget.”

With Morfudd’s work and family life so busy, how does she manage everything? “The honest answer is – I don’t always do!” said Morfudd. “There aren’t enough hours in a day to do everything, and I’ve had to learn that I can’t be everywhere or do everything myself all the time.

“Running the café in Tregaron, the mart café, the food trailer, and the van on the prom, as well as bringing up four daughters and life on the farm, means that life is very busy. It requires a lot of organisation, endless lists, prioritising and changing plans at the last minute!

“But the truth is, I wouldn’t be able to do any of it on my own. I have a very special team around me, as well as the support of my husband, family and the people who step in when needed. Learning to trust others has been a big part of growing the business.

“I also think you need to be kind to yourself. Some days I feel like I’m winning, and others I feel like I’m just keeping my head above the water! But I’m very passionate about what we’re building.”

For any young person reading this and considering starting a rural business, Morfudd's advice is: “Don’t wait until everything is perfect, because the “perfect” time never comes. Above all, don’t be afraid to take risks or ask for help. Work hard, keep your feet on the ground, be prepared to adapt - and believe in what you’re building.”

Blimey - what a story and what inspiring advice from Morfudd – with hard work and passion, anything is possible! And believe me – the Halen a Pupur breakfast is really good – any time of day! Wishing you every success, Morfudd, and best of luck to Halen a Pupur for the future!