Newport’s Market Arcade has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a historic retail passage into a bustling centre for independent enterprise.
The venue, which dates back to the Victorian era and represents the oldest surviving arcade of its kind in Newport and the second oldest in Wales, now showcases a thriving collection of small businesses while retaining much of its original architectural character. The structure’s cast-iron arches, elaborate storefronts, and ceramic-tiled flooring provide a nostalgic backdrop to an energetic contemporary scene.
Fred Farley, who is 59 years old, operates Sipping Tinnys within the arcade. This establishment draws inspiration from Australian culture and serves cocktails. Farley previously managed another venue nearby alongside companions before the group eventually pursued different paths, though they maintain their friendship. When the opportunity arose to establish this particular bar, he opted for a playful variation on the previous name and adopted an Australian theme for the cocktail offerings.
The Pina Colada ranks among the most-ordered beverages at the establishment. Plans are underway to obtain approval for utilizing the exterior area, where seating for 70 patrons will be available alongside outdoor television screening of Sky Sports coverage. This addition could establish the venue as a central gathering point within the arcade.
Adjacent to the bar sits Riff Raff Creative, a recently inaugurated salon that brings an energetic and artistic dimension to the arcade. Sophie Mundy, who is 41, manages the business. She explains that after being open for merely a few weeks, the salon has become part of a welcoming community where staff regularly encounter newcomers alongside familiar customers.
A short distance away, Arcade Skincare provides a contrasting offering as a family-operated enterprise specialising in vegan and organic beauty products. Emma Ford, who is 42, manages the business alongside three relatives. The operation is entirely vegan and free from common allergens, with all items produced by hand. Her brother works as a cosmetic formulator, developing recipes for international companies while also creating the family’s own skincare line. Sustainability forms a cornerstone of their philosophy, with a deliberate focus on environmental responsibility. All packaging and containers are free from plastic. Display shelving consists of custom pieces constructed from reclaimed pallet wood and driftwood, while furniture has been restored and painted using heritage-quality paints that complement the surrounding architecture.
The environmentally-conscious approach has attracted attention, and certain products have been selected for use on film productions, including those from Marvel Studios. Ford describes the brand as representing Newport’s equivalent to Lush, but with greater emphasis on organic ingredients.
Long-established businesses also contribute to the arcade’s character. Claudio Martini, who is 38, has maintained Claudio’s Barbers for the past 15 years. His appointment-based service typically accommodates between 15 and 20 clients daily, with occasionally higher numbers. He has observed gradual changes in the arcade’s commercial landscape, noting that additional enterprises have established themselves in the area, rendering the environment more appealing than in previous years. The sense of community and the presence of amicable regulars appeal to him, alongside the arrival of new visitors.
Carys Barnett, aged 32, runs Lavish Lounge, a hair salon offering an extensive range of services. She has been operating from the arcade for two years, providing colouring treatments, extensions, balayage techniques, and various other styling options, in addition to wedding and formal event hair services. She appreciates the relatively tranquil setting and describes the arcade as a tight-knit neighbourhood where proprietors are acquainted with one another.
Get Lashed, which specializes in eyelash treatments, eyebrow services, and cosmetics, represents one of the newest arrivals. A representative explains that the team has occupied the unit for approximately five weeks, having relocated from previous premises and partnered with a friend to launch the venture. Many previous clients have continued their patronage, though the location tends to be somewhat subdued.
Despite the current modest pace, those operating within the arcade maintain hopeful perspectives regarding its capacity to serve as both a commercial and social destination. Farley describes the structure as a handsome Victorian-era passage. Across its length, the Market Arcade has matured from a mere thoroughfare into a destination worth visiting in its own right, featuring establishments serving beverages, hair and beauty services, environmentally-responsible skincare, and grooming options. The space is unified not merely by its physical structure but by a collective ethos of community engagement and entrepreneurial independence. Each enterprise contributes its own narrative to the arcade’s continued revival and its significance within Newport’s commercial and cultural identity.