A family-run Fablas parlour expands to Barry Island after Bay 5's lease was not renewed
The seaside stretch at Barry Island is about to gain a fresh scoop of activity as the Welsh ice cream brand Fablas prepares to open a new parlour in the former lifeguard station. The site has been empty since the long-standing café Bay 5 closed, and Fablas — a mother-and-daughter enterprise — has confirmed it will launch its fifth branch on Saturday, May 2 at 10.30am.
The team say they collected the keys on February 23 and have worked through fit-out delays to get the seafront shop ready.
Fablas already operates outlets in Cowbridge, Penarth, Caerphilly and Porthcawl, and the Barry Island venue extends their coastal footprint.
The parlour is known for using milk and cream from Ty Tanglwyst Farm in Pyle, and its menu blends classic ice creams, coffees and sweet treats such as pancakes, knickerbockerglorys, sundaes and waffles. The brand describes itself as a family-run business that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and a community-oriented presence.
How the site changed hands
The site previously housed the beloved café Bay 5, which had been a fixture on the seafront for a decade before closing its doors for the final time in September. The decision to move on followed a rejection by the Vale of Glamorgan Council of Bay 5’s application to extend its lease. Following that outcome, the council ran a tender process to find a new occupier for the lifeguard station site, and Fablas was confirmed as the incoming operator after an earlier round of successful tenders was later revoked.
Tender process and public reaction
The council explained that applications were judged on a split scoring system that weighted the financial and community aspects differently: 40% of the assessment concentrated on the rental bid and 60% evaluated what bidders would offer the wider community. In May 2026, more than 3,000 people signed a petition urging the council to rethink its decision and to maintain Bay 5 at the seafront. Despite the campaign, the selection and later revision of tenders led to an outcome that saw Fablas approached by the council after the initial successful bids were revoked.
What Fablas will bring to the seafront
Fablas is positioning the new Barry Island outlet as more than just an ice cream counter. The parlour’s founders, Michelle and Lauren, who launched the business a decade ago, emphasise a blend of quality ingredients and community ties. By sourcing dairy from Ty Tanglwyst Farm, the brand highlights a commitment to local supply chains. On the menu, guests can expect iced desserts, hot drinks and casual sweet dishes that fit the beachside setting and cater to families, day-trippers and regulars.
The company has shared that fitting-out work experienced a delay and they are deliberately taking extra time to ensure standards are right before opening. A social media message from Fablas noted that since taking possession of the premises on February 23 they have been working intensively to ready the space and, although running a month behind schedule, they wanted everything to be “just Fablas” before welcoming customers.
Opening day and community expectations
Fablas will officially open the doors at the lifeguard station at 10.30am on Saturday, May 2. The arrival of a new operator has divided some local opinion, given the affection held for Bay 5, but many observers see the new parlour as an opportunity to reinvigorate that stretch of promenade. The transition illustrates how small coastal businesses and local authorities negotiate public assets and community amenity in a popular seaside setting.
Looking ahead
For residents and visitors, the focus will quickly shift to how the new Parlour operates day to day. Key points to watch include how Fablas integrates with other local traders, what role it plays in community events or initiatives, and whether its locally sourced products, such as dairy from Ty Tanglwyst Farm, resonate with customers. The story also underlines broader themes about lease processes, public tender criteria and how councils balance revenue with community benefit when making decisions about seaside properties.
As the opening approaches, many will be watching to see whether Fablas can capture the seaside spirit while honoring the expectations of long-time visitors. The new venue represents both a fresh start for the lifeguard station and a case study in how a small, family-led business scales into an established coastal brand.
