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BAY 5 COFFEE HOUSE IN BARRY WILL MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW TENANTS THIS AUTUMN 14:25, 21 May 2025 Visitors and locals in Barry Island are in uproar after a popular beachside café spot announced

their bid to extend their lease had been rejected. More than 800 people commented on Facebook with some calling the decision "disgusting". Bay 5, which sits on Barry Island

promenade in the old lifeguard station, has been a pillar of Barry seafront for 10 years. The popular coffee shop had put in a bid to extend their lease of the seaside spot for a further

decade but it was rejected by Vale of Glamorgan Council who have offered the site to another local business. Now a petition has reached almost 3,000 signatures and more than 800 people have

spoke about their disappointment on Facebook. In a video shared to their Facebook page the owners, Sophia Christou and Elena Jennings, shared their devastation at the news. Sophia said:

"It's tough pill to swallow." She continued: "Obviously we're pretty devastated. We did our utmost to put in the best bid that we could offer along with the best

submission obviously having had over 10 years of experience here and making it a success and making it a really vibrant and unique tourist attraction for visitors to Barry Island – and our

regulars of course." They explained they would be trying to appeal the decision but had been told the new tenants would take over in October. _For the latest restaurant news and

reviews, sign up to __our food and drink newsletter here_. They added: "We don't know what the future holds right now, there's a lot of questions and a lot of uncertainty

around Bay 5." Vale of Glamorgan Council recognised the impact the popular coffee shop had on the area. A spokesman said: "The business has been a real asset, playing a key role in

the wider regeneration of the area by providing a warm and welcoming environment for residents and visitors to meet and socialise." They said the decision had been made for another

small local business, already operating in the Vale, to take over the site in the autumn. "As with all our commercial properties leases are for a set time period and once these expire

these are re-advertised and others are able to bid to run them. Bay 5’s bid to continue operating out of the old lifeguard building was unsuccessful. "From the outset the council was

clear that all tenders would be treated on their merits and assessed 40% on rental bid and 60% on what bidders would offer the wider community. "Bay 5’s bid showed how much they had to

offer the resort. However, as well as enhancing the visitor experience, buildings and concessions let by the council at its resorts must also help generate the money needed to maintain these

locations." Hundreds of disappointed locals and visitors flocked to the comments to express their anger at the news. One person wrote on Facebook: "Gutted for the Bay 5 team. Bay

5 is a massive part of the Barry Island community. The prom will not be the same without you. Your hard work, cheerfulness, and fab food and beverages has always been the highlight of our

dog walks. It seems so unfair that all your efforts are not being fairly recognised. Bay 5 will be a massive loss to the island." Another visitor said: "I'm so sad to hear

this news Bay 5 Coffee. Lockdown was made so much more bearable thanks to you guys. Always there for us with amazing coffee and always always happy in your jobs. I sincerely hope your appeal

is successful as this will be a huge loss to our lovely island." Article continues below