Menai Holiday Cottages

Jo Pott: Owner of Bryn Derwen, Betws Garmon

Originally from the Midlands, local business woman Jo came to University in Bangor in the ‘80s, and like many, ended up staying!

Whilst living and working in Penrhyn Castle, she took four months out to go travelling - China, Tibet, Nepal and India, collecting interesting textiles along the way and sending them home.

The parcels were so well received, Jo started travelling to India twice a year on buying trips and holding glorified Tupperware parties on her return to sell her latest finds - she would even cook Indian food to set the mood!! As interest grew, Jo took on the lease of a small shop in Bangor - Jo Pott Mercer Interiors was founded.

Jo's love of textiles, and realisation that there was a gap in the clothing market for ‘real-sized' women lead to the opening of Jo Pott Clothing, for which Jo designs the majority of the clothes, made in India using hand-loomed fabrics.

In response to customers wanting somewhere to sit and have a coffee whilst browsing, in 2007 Jo opened Kyffin, a vegetarian deli and café selling Fair Trade products. Beautifully furnished, and with tempting cakes lined up on the counter under glass jars it is the perfect shopper's retreat!

Fair Trade

Jo has been working with the same workshops in India and Nepal for 21 years now and has seen the benefit her shops have brought to these communities first hand. Her shops are registered with the British Association of Fair Trade shops as both a retailer and importer.

Bryn Derwen

A friend had announced that she was relocating, and over a glass of champagne too many one New Year's Day, they all agreed that it would be wonderful if Jo and partner Paul bought Bryn Derwen, in the same Snowdonian village as Jo lives, to run as a holiday cottage.

Jo and Paul had always loved the feel of the property, which has a small oak woodland plot and also has access to the river - a lovely spot for a swim, both for guests and otters alike!

Jo promptly raided her shop to furnish it! Painted white throughout, the rooms provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing the wonderful vibrant textiles and antique furniture.

Along with managing three shops, Jo and Paul find time to prepare the cottage for each arrival of new guests: "It is a joy to go there - we sometimes wonder why we aren't living there ourselves!"

On a Friday evening on her way back from work, Jo will call in to welcome the new arrivals and check that they are happy with everything: "I have met some lovely, fascinating people - it is a great privilege." One guest, an artist, so enjoyed his stay, he left a watercolour of the valley as a parting gift - the perfect addition to this already beautifully furnished property.

"MHC have been excellent - they offer a fantastic service, very supportive, friendly and helpful. I am so busy with my other businesses, I need to know Bryn Derwen is in good hands!"

Jo Pott Mercer, Jo Pott Clothing and Kyffin

120, 127 & 129 High Street, Bangor LL57 1NT