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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Rhodri Harrison

The tiny van serving up authentic Portuguese treats that's become a hit in Swansea

In an area no stranger to large retail units housing all kinds of goods from furniture, electronics, toys and fitness centres - stands a tiny little food van hoping to make a name for itself.

Venture down Valley Way in Llansamlet and you may miss it, opposite Smyths Toys Superstores and Simply Gym is Pastel de Nata. A small Portuguese catering trailer serving sweet and savoury treats alongside a busy Swansea road.

The business previously operated as a "hidden gem" authentic Portuguese cafe on Nelson street for several years before turning into a delivery-only business. Today, Antonio Felicio operates in a new and often overlooked location in one of the city's busiest traffic areas, Llansamlet, in a tiny 'wagon' he calls his bakery.

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The 59-year-old has called Swansea his home for the past 20 years but wanted to bring the "taste of Portugal" to South Wales after "falling in love" with the city and Gower describing it "a home from home".

Baking everything fresh every morning, Antonio serves Portuguese favourites like Pastel de Nata, Portuguese Tarts alongside savoury treats and larger meals that can be collected the following day.

Antonio has built a reputation for his Portuguese tarts (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
He has employed the help of a new set of wheels (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
Savoury options are available (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)

"We were very busy over the pandemic and were delivering to homes all over Llanelli, Pontardawe and Swansea and the costs of the cafe were proving to be too difficult.

"I wanted something new, I was originally paying £115 a week in the city centre, with this new location I am only paying that in a month," Antonio said as he dishes up some Portuguese pastries.

The financial burden involved in travelling from his home near Llansamlet into the city centre, alongside business rates and fuel prices meant the baker had to find a middle ground. But the cafe on Nelson street was previously one of the best rated dessert venues in the city centre and has helped create a loyal base of customers.

Rental costs in the city persuaded him to try alternatives (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
Freshly made Pastel de Nata (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
More mouth-watering treats (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)

"I started baking when I was 14 when I worked in a small bakery in Portugal, I moved to the UK for a better life and became a steel fixer in Milford Haven in 2004 and later started my own cafe in Swansea," he said.

"We were extremely busy over the pandemic with deliveries and I was working from home with all the baking but now I have decided to try something else and this little van will go to shows."

The one-man business is now based in Valley Way in Llansamlet Retail park serving sweet and savoury treats daily with the option for larger meals to be hand delivered by Antonio the following day with a variety of meats and Portuguese favourites all being served.

You can view his full menu on Pastel de Nata's social media by clicking here.

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