The story of the Bracchi – when the Italians arrived in Wales

[The Hooded Claw]

All those great Italian cafés in the valleys which seem to be a dying breed. My favourite was Baccetta’s in Porth.

The BBC did a really interesting piece on it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51448889

Also, does anyone remember Merlin Motors on City Road. Owned by a Mr Merlini, who my Dad went to college with on Western Avenue and I went to school with his son Craig in Cowbridge who later managed the PA Black estate agents.

[splott parker]

Just in my class in St Albans the Italian names were Chiarello, Senatore, Sammino, Scotto-Dabrusco, Guidici, Frederico, quite a strong Italian community in Splott.

[KevDeri]

Thirty minutes at work have just flown by. Both articles mention Ricci's Square Cafe in Bargoed. My parents first met there in the 50s and always used to take us for ice-cream. Also a Rossi's cafe (or two?) in Bargoed and I was at school with Cresci's. Molte bene.

[BLUETIT]

Just in my class in St Albans the Italian names were Chiarello, Senatore, Sammino, Scotto-Dabrusco, Guidici, Frederico, quite a strong Italian community in Splott.

You’re forgetting Georgio Chinaglia at Lady Marys

[splott parker]

You’re forgetting Georgio Chinaglia at Lady Marys

I did say my class in St Albans, how dare you put me in the same age bracket as that gangster