Agriculture and Local Ties
Given the location of Llanmaes, the majority of local businesses are associated with agriculture. There are also links with several companies on the nearby Llandow Industrial Estate. In the past the village had its own post office and general store, but this useful facility was withdrawn some years ago. Llanmaes is within easy walking distance of Llantwit Major, with its full range of shopping facilities and amenities.
The Blacksmiths Arms
The local public house, the Blacksmiths Arms, is the only business as such now existing in the village. The present landlady, Mrs Jane Mitchell, makes the most of every opportunity to encourage residents to participate in a wide range of social events. For larger occasions, a marquee can be provided on an adjacent field, while the pub's facilities allow for a wide variety of entertainment — from skiffle to male voice choirs to string quartets; something for everyone.
The pub darts team is the longest-established in the Llantwit Major and District Darts League and remains very active. On summer evenings it is not unusual to experience the delightful aroma of cooking drifting across the village green from the barbecue on the well-furnished pub patio. Winter nights are brightened by roaring log fires in both the bar and restaurant.
Charities are well supported by both patrons and management, with many thousands of pounds donated to causes such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, Children in Need, Ty Hafen, and LATCH (Llandough Aims to Treat Children with Cancer and Leukaemia with Hope), a local hospital charity. The pub also runs two popular National Lottery Syndicates on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
There is also a children's play area, open to both guests' children and children from the village. Villagers like to walk through the village to the pub with their dogs — the public bar sometimes more closely resembles Crufts than a country inn, and all are made welcome by "Mitch", the pub's large German Shepherd, who likes to keep watch from the flat roof overlooking the entrance.
It is also not unusual to see visitors from Llantwit Major walking through the fields — pushing cows and sheep out of the way — to reach the pub after conquering the Llantwit bypass and five stiles on the way.
Jane, who was more used to city life in Cardiff, fell in love with the pub at first sight. In her first week she was cutting back overgrowth around the building when, without being asked, a well-known long-standing local — Noel Thomas — finished the job for her. Jane feels this is exactly the kind of spirit that has taken the village forward.
