Plans are ambitious, with talk that Barry will soon rival the likes of Cardiff Bay and Swansea’s Mumbles
Unbelievable as it may seem, it is 11 years since the last Christmas special of Gavin & Stacey aired, leaving viewers in stitches with scenes such as Smithy belting out Do They Know It’s Christmas, Nessa and Dave Coaches giving everyone a single gift-wrapped Celebration chocolate, and Mick doing some “Nigella s---” with his Norfolk turkey. The episode where the Barry folk descended on Billericay for the festivities was comedy gold.
The New Year’s Day finale in 2010 saw 10.25 million viewers tune in, and came to an emotional close with a doting Gavin and pregnant Stacey, plus Nessa, Smithy and baby Neil on the beachfront in Barry.
Barry Island, the faded Welsh seaside resort, is set to make a triumphant return with a one-episode Christmas special of the beloved sitcom that left fans yearning for more. James Corden, co-writer of the show, promises that this holiday treat will be a delightful explosion of nostalgia.
Excitement has enveloped the town of Barry as the cast descended upon its shores for filming, igniting a wave of anticipation for the upcoming episode. Ruth Jones, known for her character Nessa, added a touch of magic by illuminating the town's Christmas lights.
"Since the announcement of the Christmas special, fans have flocked to Barry Island, eager to catch a glimpse of the action," reveals Nia Hollins, principal tourism and marketing officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council. "Barry Island has once again become the center of attention, and we couldn't be happier."
With just a sprinkle of detective skills or a professionally guided tour (britmovietours.com; £30 for adults and £21 for children), it is possible to uncover the locations that played a significant role in the final series. Journey down to Trinity Street, noted for its charming red-brick terraced houses, and witness the dwellings of iconic characters like Uncle Bryn, Gwen, and their energetic neighbour, Doris. Venture over to King Square and imagine Nessa in her memorable human statue performance. Lastly, don't miss a stopover at the Island Leisure amusement arcades, Boofy’s chippy, and Marco’s Café, all just a stone's throw away from the scenic beachfront.
Barry Island, a once faded Welsh seaside resort, is now on the brink of a remarkable comeback, thanks to the recent surge in interest following the success of Gavin & Stacey. This newfound attention has led to a flurry of rejuvenation projects and the establishment of exciting new ventures, transforming the town into an attractive destination. As part of the transformation, Barry Island not only renewed its classic attractions but also invited tourists to explore other resorts in Wales, showcasing the best of Welsh hospitality and scenic beauty. The reinvention of Barry Island helps highlight how the entire region can offer varied experiences, from quaint seaside fun to luxurious resort stays, catering to a plethora of preferences and making Wales a must-visit destination on the travel map.
One of the key contributors to this revitalization is Henry Danter, who recognized the potential of Barry and purchased the rundown Pleasure Park in 2015. Through his multimillion-pound investments in new rides and extensive waterfront renovations, the park has been restored to its former glory. The promenade has been elegantly redesigned and showcases modern beach huts available for daily rentals, a thrilling climbing wall, and a picturesque headland walk leading to the beautiful Jackson’s Bay.
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Barry Island, once a thriving amusement park, held a prominent position as a popular Welsh seaside resort. However, plans are now in motion to revive this faded gem and restore its former glory, aiming to compete with renowned tourist destinations such as Cardiff Bay and Swansea's Mumbles, while retaining its authentic seaside charm.
With the emergence of trendy cafes and boutiques, the revitalization efforts are evident as new businesses frequently emerge in Barry. The once desolate and dreary Whitmore Bay has transformed into a picturesque Blue Flag beach, adorned with a delightful expanse of golden sand, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Leading the charge for change are the Zeraschis, a family deeply rooted in the Barry community for the past six decades. They not only have sustained their successful enterprise, Marco's Café, where Stacey briefly found employment according to the popular series, but have also adapted to the evolving preferences of millennials. Styrofoam cups of builder's brew have been replaced with high-quality espresso, catering to the refined palates of the younger generation. The family's entrepreneurial spirit extended further with the opening of Zio's gelateria nearby in 2018.
Barry Island, a faded Welsh seaside resort, is set to make a remarkable comeback. Offering stunning seascapes, this charming destination is home to a variety of unique establishments that are breathing new life into the area.
Just a short stroll from the seashore on Friars Road, you'll find Whitmore+Jackson. Named after Barry's two bays, this cozy indie café located in the Esplanade building is a true gem. Brunch enthusiasts will delight in the delectable offerings, with even the doughnuts being vegan. For a modern beachfront coffee experience, look no further than Bay 5, situated in the born-again lifeboat station just across the way.
Heading north towards Barry Docks station, you'll discover Awesome Wales, a zero-waste, plastic-free store and coffee shop. With a strong emphasis on local sourcing, this eco-conscious establishment serves as a hub at the heart of the community. Further punctuating Barry's evolving food scene is the Pumphouse, a converted Grade II-listed 1880s pumping station. Once instrumental to the coal industry, it has been transformed into a culinary haven.
The Pumphouse's main attraction is Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, which began as a street pop-up and has since become the town's most sought-after dining destination. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and superb cuisine, reservations at this popular spot are often hard to come by.
These new and innovative establishments are just a taste of the exciting developments taking place in Barry Island. Visit soon to experience the town's remarkable revival firsthand.
Donkey rides on the beach in the resort's heyday
Owners (and chefs) Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn went on a six-month pilgrimage to the southern United States in 2013, to learn the art of slow and low American barbecue and Louisiana soul food. Suitably briefed, they opened Hang Fire in Barry in 2017 and have since become the stars of the BBC One Wales series Sam and Shauna’s Big Cook-Out.
Under the same red-brick roof and with a similarly urban-cool feel is Academy Espresso Bar, serving freshly roasted, barista-made coffee, craft beer and cocktails, with live music and street food at weekends.
Just a pebble’s throw from the Pumphouse is The Small Space. When it opened in 2018, professional magicians Bryan Gunton and Jasper Blakeley pulled a rabbit out of a hat, transforming a Victorian shop into Britain’s smallest cinema and theatre. Now it’s a deliciously retro, poster-plastered, 25-seat space.
Boris in Barry Island earlier this year
According to Hollins, this is all just tip-of-the-iceberg stuff and there’s much more development in the pipeline. “The waterfront area is a hive of activity,” she says. “Construction is already under way at the Goods Shed, an old railway building that will be jam-packed with exciting pop-ups, including James Sommerin (of Michelin-starred Penarth fame) and Hang Fire, plus a microbrewery.”
While a decade ago the resort had certainly seen better days, now it is one of Britain’s seaside success stories, back on the map with a happening events line-up that swings from summer weekenders – food festivals, cinema by the sea and the like – to the wacky New Year’s Day Swim.
“The past 10 years have seen a total resurgence in Barry Island’s popularity, and Gavin & Stacey contributed to that,” says Hollins. As the series returns to our screens, Barry is looking lusher than ever.
Barry Island essentials
For a simple, no-frills place to stay, try Gail’s guesthouse (doubles from £59; 01446 678085; gailsguesthouse.co.uk), a 10-minute walk from the beach. The Fox & Hounds pub (doubles from £100; 01446 781287; fandhllancarfan.co.uk), a 15-minute drive away in Llancarfan, is a quaint choice with seasonal food and country cottage-style rooms. For families, four-bed self-catering cottage Y Cudyll Coch (from £571 per week; 01650 511101; visitwales.com) offers plenty of peace and beautiful views of the Vale of Glamorgan.