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An award-winning pie shop has upped sticks and moved to Caerphilly. 

Hancox’s Pies, which was originally based in Gilfach, is now located on Pontygwindy Industrial Estate. 

The bakery sells authentic Portuguese pies and pastries and has been running since 2020, having opened during the Covid pandemic.

Originally, the business had planned to extend into a neighbouring property on Commercial Street, but the move fell through.

Owner Alex Hancox, who is originally from Portugal, said the business was booked up with orders until next September, meaning more space was urgently needed.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the move, Alex said: “I was sad because [Gilfach] is where I started, where it all began – and I will never forget it. But it’s time to expand.”

The shop is open seven days a week and sells around 300 items. This, along with a catering and an events side of the business, means support is key.

None is more important to Alex than what he gets from Delme, his husband.

“He’s got his own job but he’s ready, always, at the drop of a hat,” Alex previously told Caerphilly Observer, “no matter what it is, what time it is – he’s there.

On December 3, Hancox’s Pies held a grand opening at its new home.

Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard, who represents the Morgan Jones ward where the business is now based, officially opened the shop.

Cllr Pritchard said: “Alex and Delme are champions of the small business community. They have a positive relationship with many other businesses and the council. It’s a real pleasure to work with them”.

The new premises are much larger than the former shop, where there was only space for two tables. Now there’s room for as many as 50 tables. 

Despite this, Alex is keen to keep his customer-centred ethos, he said: “You wouldn’t even know I expanded, it’s still a cosy place to go. I still go out of the kitchen to talk to my customers.”