**Walter Road’s Culinary Transformation: New Delicatessen Joins Swansea’s Flourishing Food Scene**
A once unremarkable stretch of Swansea asphalt is fast becoming the heart of the city’s gastronomic revival, as a newly opened delicatessen breathes further culinary life into Walter Road. Once simply a thoroughfare connecting the city centre with suburban neighbourhoods like Uplands and Sketty, Walter Road is quietly but confidently securing a reputation as a dining destination.
The opening of Flynn’s Delicatessen is the latest chapter in this ongoing transformation. This independent deli, which champions both local and international ingredients, now sits alongside a varied collection of eateries that dot the street. With neighbours such as the popular Pizza Boyz, the artisan burger joint Smokin Griddle, and Indian Street Kitchen, Walter Road brims with eclectic flavours and diverse options, drawing in food lovers from all over Swansea and beyond.
At the helm of Flynn’s Delicatessen is Chris Flynn, a Londoner with a background as both chef and tech entrepreneur. After 15 years living in Swansea and struggling to find a proper delicatessen without making frequent trips to Cardiff, Flynn decided to return to his culinary roots and set up shop in his adopted city. “I always wanted a place that would stock unique ingredients,” he explained, “somewhere you can find what you’re after, or they’ll go out of their way to get it for you.”
Inside the new shop, customers are greeted by packed shelves of specialist foods, freshly baked breads, a curated selection of wines, and a tempting cheese and charcuterie counter. The deli also features a small plates menu—called mezze—that changes each week, alongside a range of sandwiches, coffees, and cakes, aiming to offer “flavour without fuss” to the community.
Flynn’s approach is rooted in a commitment to both local producers and to a sense of adventure in sourcing food. He has started sourcing supplies from within Wales whenever possible, spotlighting seasonal produce and sustainable practices. In addition, he is in talks with international producers—including a family from Strasbourg noted for their wild boar sausages—and is receptive to customer recommendations for further suppliers or novel foods.
“Seasonal food simply tastes better,” Flynn noted, emphasising not only flavour but also a sense of resilience and sustainability. “When global events, like the war in Ukraine, disrupt produce such as wheat, the impacts are wide-reaching. By focusing on what we can source locally and seasonally, we make local food more secure and also bolster our local economy.”
Nevertheless, he doesn’t shy away from importing specialty foods if they bring something genuinely special to the table. The aim, he says, is to balance responsible sourcing and quality with the thrill of discovering new flavours—whether that’s a Welsh Saval or a prized salami from Naples. “It’s about celebrating great food wherever it comes from,” he added.
Although Flynn’s Delicatessen has only just welcomed its first customers, ambition for its future is clear. Flynn hopes the premises will serve as a community hub—one where locals can gather, enjoy delicious food, and draw inspiration for their own cooking adventures. Among his longer-term dreams is to start producing some of the deli’s products in-house, and even, one day, create Swansea’s own registered cheese.
The wider context for Flynn’s venture is a rapidly developing artisan food scene across Swansea. New independent bakers, coffee roasters, and restaurants now pepper the city, evidencing a shift in attitudes and demands towards higher quality, more distinctive food experiences. Flynn sees his deli as one small—but significant—addition to this growing movement.
“There’s always a sense of anxiety when you launch something you care so deeply about,” Flynn reflected, “but the reception so far has been really positive. Swansea is where I have settled, where I met my wife, and where we are raising our son. I want to give something back to this city—a place that feels like home.”
Flynn’s Delicatessen, located at 27 Walter Road, welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. As Swansea continues its evolution from overlooked passageway to must-visit destination for food lovers, this new venture is poised to both reflect and contribute to a broader trend: a celebration of food, community, and a regenerated city spirit.