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A new coffee shop in Penarth has caused a splash after it was opened by double Olympic champion Rebbeca Adlington.

On Saturday, May 21, new coffee shop Training Ground opened next to Penarth train station.

Adlington, who won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing,was not the only international level swimmer at the opening.

The cafe is owned by Penarth’s very own Olympic swim star Tom Haffield who has swum at Olympic Games for Team GB and Commonwealth Games for Wales .

(Image: Tom Haffield)

Mr Haffield, 29, has partnered with property developer Simon Baston also runs Tramshed in Cardiff and Pumphouse in Barry.

Ms Adlington, whose 2008 win made her the first woman to win swimming gold for Great Britain since Anita Lonsbrough in 1960, is a close friend and former teammate of Mr Haffield.

She said: “I’m so proud of what Tom has achieved – in the pool and since retiring from sport.

“Plus, I absolutely love a really good coffee and I’m a big supporter of independents on the high street.

“What you can expect from Training Ground is top speciality coffee that won’t disappoint.”

(Image: Tom Haffield)

According to former swimmer Mr Haffield Penarth was the perfect location.

“We are passionate about coffee and have spared no expense on machinery and equipment and have hired very experienced baristas,” said Mr Haffield. “We have done everything we can to source the best coffee and deliver it consistently to the customer.

“Penarth was the ideal location for us. It is a town which has a growing number of independent shops and cafes. We are also the only place open so early and so close to the station so you can rely on us to be on hand for your coffee fix. We’ve had so much support already, it has been quite overwhelming.”

(Image: Tom Haffield)

The little Penarth business has certainly received an envious amount of celebrity well wishes. GB diver Tom Daley and Comedian Alan Carr both tweeted the regards to Mr Haffield on his new venture.