Megan Jenkins

Morio Lounge, Loungers' new Barry Island venue, transformed a long-abandoned toilet block into a stylish bar and restaurant after planning delays and construction setbacks. The reviewer found seating readily available during the evening, praised the friendly staff and broad drinks selection, and enjoyed a three-dish tapas board featuring Bombay cauliflower, Louisiana fried chicken and patatas bravas. The meal was served quickly, hot and attractively priced, making the visit highly positive, with the extensive outdoor seating identified as a reason to return in better weather.

Barry Island has the cheapest beach huts for hire among 19 UK coastal authorities surveyed by Monzo, with huts managed by Vale of Glamorgan Council costing £24 per day. The study analysed more than 1,000 huts and found an average local-authority price of £56 for a summer day and £223 for a week. Barry Island’s huts accommodate up to four people, with many UK huts offering amenities such as electricity, kettles and running water. The article also outlines typical costs for visiting Barry Island, including parking or transport, fish and chips, and desserts, concluding that the resort remains reasonably affordable compared with other coastal destinations.

Construction of Cardiff and Vale College’s new Barry Waterfront campus has advanced significantly since work began in February, with upper-floor slabs completed, ground-floor works nearing completion, and window, roofing and car-park installation underway. The £119 million investment includes two campuses in the Vale of Glamorgan, with the Waterfront site expected to accommodate up to 900 students studying subjects such as art and design, care, hospitality, catering, hair and beauty. The campus will also offer public-facing services, including a student-run salon and restaurant, providing practical work experience and expanded opportunities for local residents.

Fforest Community Park children’s playground in Barry was closed after a fire scorched the ground and damaged climbing frames, swings and a slide in the early hours of August 10. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is assessing the damage and will repair or replace affected equipment before reopening the site. South Wales Police are investigating the incident as arson and have appealed for witnesses. The park, known locally as The Dump, was also damaged by fire in April 2025.

A barbecue melted and destroyed a picnic bench beside the children’s play area at Porthkerry Country Park, where barbecues and fires are prohibited. The Vale of Glamorgan Council warned that dry weather could allow such incidents to escalate into wildfires. Councillor Brandon Dodd called for improved signage, more patrols, repairs or replacements, and stronger enforcement. A separate playground fire on Salisbury Road over the same weekend damaged several areas and led the council to close the site; South Wales Police are investigating it as arson.

Residents across the Vale of Glamorgan photographed a spectacular solar eclipse from locations including Barry, Penarth, beaches, hillsides and gardens. More than 90% of the sun was obscured, creating a crescent-shaped image despite cloudy conditions. Families, photographers and astronomy enthusiasts used eclipse glasses, filters, trees and colanders to view the event safely, while residents recalled the 1999 eclipse and described the spectacle as memorable and exceptionally exciting.

Students across the Vale of Glamorgan achieved strong A-level results, with nearly 35% of entries receiving A or A* grades, 81.8% achieving A* to C, and 98.6% achieving A* to E. Llantwit Major School recorded its best-ever performance, while Stanwell School and Cardiff and Vale College also reported notable results, including 100% pass rates in several subjects. Individual students secured places to study subjects including veterinary medicine, history and politics, and computer science at universities across Wales and England.

Three new sculptures have been installed at Porthkerry Country Park in Barry through the COED2 Porthkerry Woodland Investment Grant Project. The works include a metal National Forest for Wales leaf by Alan Ross, an oak bench carved by Simon Hedger depicting wildlife encountered by children, and a five-metre oak monolith featuring more than ten woodland species. Funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund in partnership with the National Forest for Wales, the project has also supported woodland conservation, habitat boxes, interpretation boards, improved signage and an accessible footpath. The improvements aim to protect the park’s ancient woodland, enhance visitor access and reinforce its membership of the National Forest for Wales.

A fire damaged Fforest Community Park Children's Playground on Salisbury Road in Barry during the early hours of August 10. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service extinguished multiple blazes, but climbing frames, swings, the slide and surrounding ground were scorched. The Vale of Glamorgan Council closed the park while it assesses the damage, and asked anyone with information about the suspected late-night fire to contact South Wales Police.

Barry women Nia Medi and Rebecca Hardy have launched No Apologies Club in their 40s with their debut single, “Seasoned,” a piano-led country-pop track influenced by 1990s music. The accompanying video was filmed at New Farm in Barry with support from farmer Sara Hardy, videographer Dan Coughtrey and the local community. The band says its name reflects a desire to pursue creative ambitions without concern about age or perfection. More original music is being recorded, with a debut album planned for next year.

Residents reported brown foam in the water at Barry waterfront, raising fears of sewage contamination amid existing pollution concerns in the area. Investigations by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales found no evidence of sewage pollution, concluding the foam was likely algae affected by hot weather. Authorities advised continued caution around natural watercourses and reiterated that the waterfront is not a designated bathing site.

Campaigners and local representatives are calling for urgent improvements after Watch House Bay in Barry received a poor water quality rating for the second time in three years. Natural Resources Wales has launched the South Central Bathing Waters Project to identify sources of pollution and coordinate long-term solutions with local councils and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Environmental groups, including Surfers Against Sewage, support the initiative but demand greater accountability, transparency, and investment to tackle sewage pollution and other contaminants. Local councillors seek clearer monitoring and faster action to address persistent water quality issues at the bay.

A former public toilet block at Nell’s Point on Barry Island has been transformed into Morio Lounge, a new venue operated by Loungers. The lounge offers an extensive menu, family‑friendly facilities, and coastal views, creating around 30 local jobs. Despite opening delays, community response has been positive, with the venue positioned as a supportive addition to the local hospitality scene and part of Loungers’ wider expansion across England and Wales.

A wood‑processing proposal at Berth 31 in Barry Docks was withdrawn after months of public opposition, environmental concerns, and a previous refusal by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Residents and councillors cited dust pollution, lack of planning consent, and inadequate consultation as major issues. Natural Resources Wales and the Fire and Safety Service pressured the operator for explanations, contributing to the withdrawal. Local councillors and Green Party members welcomed the decision while noting ongoing concerns about industrial activity close to residential areas. The site remains usable for standard dockside operations, with potential enforcement action if unlawful wood processing resumes.

RNLI crews carried out four rescues in 24 hours at Sully Island after visitors and their dogs were stranded by rising tides, prompting renewed safety warnings. Officials highlighted how quickly the causeway becomes dangerous and urged the public to plan visits around tide times and heed signs. The Sully Island Water Safety Team now monitors crossings and advises visitors to avoid the area three hours before and after high tide to reduce further incidents.

Local businesses on Barry Island experienced varied impacts during a rare red extreme heat warning, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s. Ice cream shops and some seafront cafés reported steady or increased sales of cold drinks, though overall footfall remained below typical summer levels as many residents stayed home due to limited shade. Marco’s Café noted quieter-than-usual kitchen activity, while Carousel amusements closed early on multiple days due to excessive indoor heat. Enzo’s Bar saw higher activity than normal but felt trade could have been stronger at slightly lower temperatures.

Morio Lounge will open at Nell’s Point in Barry on July 11, 2026 after delays related to utility installation. The venue has been fully renovated by Loungers, creating about 30 jobs and offering a family‑friendly space with multiple dining areas and an extensive menu, including vegan and gluten‑free options. Weekly promotions and a daily cocktail club are planned, and the design emphasizes comfort with vintage furnishings and bold décor.