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Hancox’s Pies in Caerphilly is celebrating its 20th award since first opening its doors in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic four years ago.

The Portuguese-inspired restaurant, run by Alexandre Hancox, initially opened in Gilfach before outgrowing the space and moving to Pontygwindy Industrial Estate in December 2023.

Since 2020, Mr Hancox, who uses his own mother’s recipes from his home city of Evora, Portugal, has won 20 awards, the latest being retail bakery of the year at the Food Awards Wales.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mr Hancox said: “It feels amazing to get another award. I always tribute them to my team because without them we would not have all this success.

“It has been a crazy couple of years for the business. Since moving to Caerphilly we have expanded into the space next door and still find ourselves fully booked.

“It’s great to see so many of the same customers return time after time. Our afternoon tea menu is fully booked for two months on weekends. It’s incredible.”

Mr Hancox joked how the award ceremonies have left him “two steps behind”, with another two booked in later this year.

He continued: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the business and to all of those who come and visit.”