**Porth Welcomes a New Face on the High Street — and It’s Not Another Barbershop**
In a town centre already renowned (and perhaps gently teased) for its abundance of barbers—13 within a mere third of a mile—Porth residents recently spotted a new shop opening on Hannah Street. This time, however, it brings something different to the table: a family-run darts specialist determined to serve a community of enthusiasts and offer a refreshing change.
The business, aptly named Emrys Darts, is the venture of 23-year-old local Max Robertson and his uncle, Neill Hamblyn. Both Porth natives, they’ve launched their shop to cater to the area’s ever-growing interest in darts. Their grand opening, held on Saturday 21 June, featured the support of Welsh professional darts player Robert Owen, who made an appearance to cheer on the new enterprise.
Their timing couldn’t be much better. Darts has witnessed a marked surge in popularity lately, especially following the high-profile World Championships win by Luke Littler in January. Max Robertson, a keen player himself, has witnessed a boom in participation around Rhondda pubs, noting the packed venues during league nights and the sheer breadth of the sport’s new followers—including many young people.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Emrys Darts, Max shared how his own struggles to purchase darts equipment locally shaped the concept. “With the closest dedicated darts shop nearly an hour’s drive away, it just didn’t make sense for Porth to be without a specialist,” he explained. “If I was finding it inconvenient, surely other local players were too. It felt like the perfect time to bring a unique offering to our busy high street.”
For Max, this leap also represents a return to roots and aspirations. He recalled writing about his ambitions to run a business in his university application years ago, inspired by the thriving independent shops along the very street Emrys Darts now calls home. Now, he hopes to be part of the next wave of high street renewal.
Local reaction has been overwhelmingly favourable. In recent months, a planning application to convert yet another shop into a barber’s sparked debate in the community, with the Porth and District Chamber of Trade formally objecting on grounds that another such business would stifle variety and damage the high street’s vibrancy. Judging by the response to Emrys Darts’ arrival, townspeople appear ready to embrace change with open arms.
“It’s been really lovely to see not just darts fans, but people of all interests say how pleased they are to see something different in Porth,” Max commented. He believes the independent and family-run nature of the shop will help it become a fixture, creating opportunities for parents shopping for gifts, and for everyone wanting to explore or play the sport in a welcoming environment.
Looking to the future, Emrys Darts plans to extend beyond retail. Max and Neill hope to launch monthly competitions and even set up a darts academy for youngsters, aiming to nurture a new generation of Rhondda players. By providing a safe space for learning and friendly contests, they intend to embed their shop deeper into the community fabric.
As a new addition against the long-standing tide of hair and grooming businesses, Emrys Darts marks an optimistic chapter for Porth—both for residents seeking more variety and for those who see the high street as the beating heart of small-town life. Only time will tell how the shop fares, but for now, it stands as a testament to the value of local entrepreneurship and listening to community needs.
The arrival of Emrys Darts is a sign that even in a town famed for its hair-cutting options, there’s still plenty of appetite—and room—for something completely different.