Kalani Ghost Hunter said they were the best-looking doughnuts he’d ever seen
Massive queues of Mônut lovers built up last weekend despite Storm Amy’s wind and rain(Image: Melin Llynon)
For several chaotic, frantic hours last weekend, north Anglesey became the centre of attention. Sheltering beneath hoods and battling against Storm Amy’s fierce winds, hundreds of doughnut enthusiasts gathered, all desperate to get their hands on a local delicacy at a knockdown price.
Numerous visitors had travelled from England with one family undertaking a 300-mile trip from Barnsley in Yorkshire, whilst others made 220-mile trips from Manchester and back.
Some doughnut-enthusiasts turned up an hour before opening time, whilst those arriving later endured 90-minute queues in the rain, only to discover the final doughnut had been sold.
What they were unaware of was that amongst them stood an American influencer who was about to blow up Anglesey’s “Mônuts”. Going unnoticed by workers at Melin Llynon, a restored windmill near Llanddeusant, Kalani Smith purchased six and rushed back to his vehicle.
The mônuts are handmade every day(Image: Melin Llynon)
He was chilled, soaked and brimming with excitement, reports North Wales Live. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
After filming himself devouring the entire batch, he shared a video proclaiming: “Oh my gosh, they are the best-looking doughnuts I have ever seen. I would genuinely say these are the best doughnuts I’ve ever had anywhere in the world.”
Operating as “Kalani Ghost Hunter”, the Tennessee influencer boasts 3.2m followers on TikTok, 673,000 on Facebook and 458,000 on Instagram. After his Anglesey expedition, he sparked a doughnut sensation around the world.
Richard Holt, a former pastry chef who founded Mr Holts’ Mônuts at Melin Llynon, said: “My inbox is full of requests from people in different countries asking if we ship our doughnuts in the post. Unfortunately we don’t – all our doughnuts are freshly made, so we can’t.”
Last weekend’s events left Richard somewhat rattled. An influx of interest was anticipated, as his branded Mônuts have a dedicated following and were being offered at half-price as an end-of-season thank you to local supporters and those less fortunate.
Richard Holt founded Mônut at Melin Llynon(Image: Melin Llynon)
Storm Amy had been expected to reduce demand but 70mph gusts didn’t deter the doughnut devotees. Now that Kalani has given his verdict, Richard’s slightly concerned about the world descending on his windmill emporium this weekend.
“Ever since he made the video, I’ve not been able to go anywhere without people stopping me and asking about his visit,” he said. “We certainly didn’t expect so many people to turn up last weekend – and that was before he made the video.
“We all worked incredibly hard and I made more doughnut than I’ve ever made before, so it was disappointing they ran out before everyone got the chance to have one. This weekend we’re increasing production again – it will be double what we usually do on Bank Holidays, which are typically our busiest days.
“As we’re only open on weekends at the moment, it gives us the flexibility to produce more – we can prepare the dough two days in advance, then make them fresh on the day.”
The previous weekend’s extraordinary demand may have been fuelled by speculation that it was Melin Llynon’s final weekend opening of the year.
However, two additional weekends had actually been scheduled.
Kalani has over three million followers on TikTok(Image: Kalani Ghost Hunter)
Following Kalani’s doughnut endorsement, Richard has chosen to remain open at weekends throughout the winter months.
This additional capacity should help reduce any potential queues – whilst also accommodating the anticipated Christmas demand for Mr Holt’s chocolates and gins.
Whilst many enterprises would be scrambling to exploit such glowing publicity, Richard has chosen to continue his autumn generosity by providing more “happiness weekends”.
This weekend, Mônuts will be reduced by 40%, with next weekend offering a 30% discount.
Throughout the October half-term period, when Melin Llynon and its model safari runs daily, there will be a 20% discount.
“A lot of people missed out last weekend, so if I may give some advice – come early!” he said.
Several disappointed customers were disappointed to miss out but others were appalled Richard was discounting his doughnuts whatsoever.
One woman commented online: “As a frequent visitor from good old Manchester, please don’t sell yourself short, they’re worth it.”
Another added: “I joined a long queue and my heart sank. I got caught in the rainstorm and then found out it was 50% off. I would have happily paid full price. I was thrilled to get some of your amazing Mônuts.”
Kalani Smith’s trip to Melin Llynon marked another chapter in his ongoing “Wales adventure”. The social media sensation, who gained popularity for sampling British cuisine, has wholeheartedly embraced Welsh produce and tourist spots.
Beginning his journey in Conwy town during early October, he posted images from Groes Inn, Wales’ first licensed establishment, where he enjoyed pies and a seafood selection. At Edwards of Conwy, he tasted a lamb oggie and claimed to have experienced “possibly the best sausage roll in the UK”.
He explored the castle and Britain’s Smallest House, comparing Conwy to a “postcard”. In Llandudno, he took a trip on the Great Orme tramway, visited the Great Orme Mines and called at the pier.
For food, he tried the local Wetherspoons, Palladium, and Cottage Loaf country pub, which he rated as serving a “top three” steak and ale pie. His schedule also included the Old Stag in Llangernyw, plus the Gaol and castle in Beaumaris.
At the latter location, he remarked: “I’ve always wanted to see a castle with a moat. This is absolutely incredible. It has so much history, and with the autumn leaves it looks even better. I just can’t comprehend seeing this.”
While being baffled by Wales’ 20mph speed restrictions, he was shocked to be charged 40p in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, when nature called. “This is actually a p*** take,” he said.
“Beautiful place but you gotta pay to pee. This always blows my mind.” On his journey, he asked for recommendations – and Melin Llynon’s Mônuts were a recurring suggestion. Richard knew about it – but he never thought he’d actually visit.
Fans of the bakery queued for hours to get their hands on the doughnuts(Image: Melin Llynon)
Kalani arrived without warning and, by the slimmest of chances, Richard missed meeting him.
A bit damp and dishevelled, Kalani purchased a box containing six Mônut flavours – Manchester Tart, Raspberry Jam, Tiramisu, Banoffee, Blueberry Bombshell, and Caramel and Custard.
As he started eating, he said: “These are supposed to be some life-changing doughnuts and I’m here getting wet and wild just to try these puppies out. These doughnuts we can see right here look incredible. My mouth is watering.”
Causing a Mônut frenzy, he concluded: “Dare I say… the best doughnuts I ever had anywhere. The quality of the ingredients being used is evident, you can definitely tell.”