Parr's general store
Goodwick, Fishguard's smaller twin, is a distinctive settlement that clings to a steep hillside above the railway line and harbour that were the reason for its development not much over a century ago.
Its Main Street has a dwindling number of shops, but among them Parr's Store stands out - indeed it is 'worth a detour' in order to experience the sense of stepping back in time to the mid-20th century. If you are of a certain age its neat shelves stacked with familiar brand-named tins and packets will bring on a pang of nostalgia. No 'own brands' or convenience store franchise labelling here. Instead you find the full range of old-fashioned staples: Colman's, Bird's, Twining's, Heinz and Hartley's. Bottles of gravy browning and bags of dried marrowfat peas rub shoulders with packets of suet and tins of pilchards. Oxo and Bisto hold their own with more recherché items like coconut milk. Behind the spotless butchery counter Mr Parr, pictured here, below a shelf of china animals and old teapots, waits at your convenience to slice you some ham for your tea or to wrap up a nice pork chop for supper. His wife, in the other room with the Kitekat and the Vim, takes your money by the door: decimal coinage is accepted but pounds, shillings and pence might be more in keeping with the atmosphere of the place. The two of them must be well into their 60s and I fear this gem of a shop won't survive into another generation. Catch it while you can!
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