Small doesn’t always mean limited. Creative entrepreneurs are proving that even the tiniest spaces can deliver huge personality, flavour, and community impact. From coffee carts to the world’s smallest magic theatre, these businesses show how thinking small can make a big difference.
Pizza Pronto
If you’ve been in Penarth town centre, you may have spotted the small kiosk near the entrance of Penarth railway station on Stanwell Road. This incredible business has been serving artisan pizza and Italian street food to locals since 2014 and remains a popular spot for a quick, delicious bite to eat.
“We started our business at our flagship shop in Penarth over ten years ago with the goal to make handmade, cooked to order pizzas and build a stable and successful business out of a small space. During that time we’ve also had sites in Cardiff, The Bay and Barry Island as well as now moving into pop ups and events where our small footprint has proved invaluable. We hope we’re evidence that you don’t need to have a large space to build a good business, and if nothing else it’s a short walk to the ovens!“
Small Space Theatre
The Small Space Theatre is the smallest theatre in the UK – and the smallest magic theatre in the world! This uniquely intimate venue hosts a raft of live entertainment, including regular performances from Jasper Blakeley, a spectacular magician and comic. With a variety of events throughout the year, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone to enjoy.
“The Small Space is the UK’s Smallest Theatre and The World’s Smallest Magic Theatre and we’re currently Wales’ Number One Nightlife Venue (TripAdvisor). We opened in early 2018 and we’re a converted one up one down Victorian shop, with a downstairs auditorium for a seated audience of up to 27 and upstairs is a fully licensed bar. We have magic shows for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, live music (mostly jazz) every third Thursday and one Wednesday a month we have a stand-up comedy new material night where circuit comics try out their ‘work in progress’.
The size of our venue is what makes it work as a business. With an auditorium that’s smaller than the average UK living room and a bar upstairs which is smaller in space again, the sheer novelty of the space is immediately appealing to everyone who visits. With quite high ceilings, the acoustics for live music are amazing, coupled with the closeness of the audience and it has proved a winning combination.
Despite the diminutive nature of The Small Space we manage to host private parties where people get the whole venue, added to that we have enough room to provide an artisan party buffet too. We’re very proud to have a well stocked bar along with an extensive range of cocktails.
It has taken a few years to find out what works and what doesn’t, and we’re very fortunate to have a very loyal customer base that gives us upwards of sixty percent repeat business.
Unless you’ve actually been to The Small Space it’s hard to describe why it’s so magical, but once you’ve been you’ll be planning a return visit and that’s guaranteed.”
Stol Coffee
As featured in our spring issue, Stol Coffee’s owner Piotr Skoczylas has become a familiar face in Penarth. He began selling coffee from his bright yellow bike at the start of the pandemic and continues to this day. Piotr’s mission is to spread positivity and promote wellbeing among local residents.
“Stol Coffee is a small but mighty cargo bike. I’m sure you’ve heard the quote, ‘less is more’? My business doesn’t just sell great filter coffee and home-made cookies – Stol Coffee is an idea, self-expression, a story. It’s something relatable to many people. It’s also on wheels, which means I can move it around, keep overheard low and create a gathering point for people. The intention has always been to build community.”
Willmore’s 1938’s George the coffee van
By now, especially on sunny days at Cosmeston, many of us have spotted Willmore’s 1938 blue van, George. As an extension of the ever-popular café, this mobile version lets local residents enjoy delicious coffee and treats wherever the van pops up.
“We have multiple sites, including George the Van and because it’s a smaller space we can adapt to each event or place we take him to. We don’t have to move large pieces of furniture or equipment, so if we’re doing an event where they want tacos, or Welsh cakes or smoothies or gin cocktails, having that smaller space means we can be very versatile and do all manner of things.”
The Dead Canary
The not-so-secret speakeasy-style bar, The Dead Canary, is a favourite nightlife spot tucked away in Cardiff. With a wide variety of drinks – each with its own unique theme and flair – this little bar delivers an unforgettable experience in a compact space.
Matty’s BBQ Chop Shop
In 2023, owner Matt launched his home-cooked BBQ pop-up takeaway, inspired by barbecue styles from around the world. Working with local Welsh businesses to source the best produce, Matty’s BBQ Chop Shop has already become a hot local favourite.
“When I first ventured into the BBQ world, I knew I wanted to offer a unique eating experience. Starting a pop-up takeaway from home gave me the freedom to choose when and how often I run events. The popularity of my pop-ups has allowed me to grow my brand to include a six-course BBQ fine dining experience, Smoke School, and live fire cooking events – the epitome of backyard barbecue.”
It’s often the smallest places that leave the biggest impression. These gems brings so much heart to our local scene. Go seek them out, soak up their charm and support the creativity that makes our towns so unique. You never know – you might stumble across your new favourite place.
