A FOODIE couple who got a Michelin plate and were named in The Good Food Guide just three months after opening have now opened the doors to a new deli in Abergavenny.

Owners of The Gaff on Lion Street, Dan Saunders and Danielle Phillips have a history of awards in fine dining, having previously run the Michelin star-winning The Walnut Tree.

And they were stunned in January when The Gaff – where they’ve been since May 2019, was recognised with a Michelin plate.

To top off what has been a very successful period for the pair, they are embarking on another new journey with The Gaff Coffee Shop and Deli on High Street – which has replaced Coffee 1.

They said the queue was down the road for their first day on Thursday.

“It’s been a really surprising and exciting day,” said Mr Saunders. “It’s topped off a challenging lockdown period, but we’re pleased to have kept all the staff and the take up on the deliveries for The Gaff has been going really well.

“We’re really conscious about supporting local suppliers, so we’ve started our fresh produce boxes which have been a real hit too.”

The couple, who have also spent much of lockdown delivering hundreds of meals for staff at Nevill Hall Hospital, said they were thrilled to get the news in January that their efforts had been rewarded.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Ms Phillips said. “Having previously owned The Walnut Tree we were on their radar and they knew about The Gaff, but we certainly didn’t expect it.

“It’s a testament in particular to our chefs, who are fantastic at what they do.”

The Gaff Coffee Shop and Deli will serve coffee as well as a selection of pastries and cookies, and much more.

Explaining why they decided to jump at the opportunity when they heard Coffee 1 was going, Ms Phillips explained: “There isn’t really a deli in Abergavenny, and we felt there was scope.

“Despite the challenges we’re facing I’m very hopeful for the restaurant and deli. We’re in a good position and when the time comes to open we’ll be absolutely ready.”

Talking of the customers who came to support them on Thursday, she added: “We’ve had lots of people dropping by to wish us good luck. It’s lovely – it brings a smile to our faces, and brings a bit of hope for all of us when we need it.”