A man from Brynmill has transformed a derelict former garage into a vibrant new coffee shop in Swansea. Situated in the unlikely location of Western Street, Crafty Smuggler Café sits at the end of a row of terraced houses and has been beautifully renovated from a derelict building which had previously been used for storage.
"This is the first time not being involved with family in a business sense, it's me going it alone," said Bam Day, 32, who told WalesOnline the coffee roastery and shop is currently a one-man operation with him roasting the coffee he serves himself. "I love every part of the process. That is what I think is the unique selling point, I think I'm the only roaster in Swansea. It's just a passion for me."
Ever since he bought a coffee roastery business from a friend two years ago, Bam has wanted to open a coffee shop so people could try the different blends and origins on offer. Although Bam was brought up in Swansea, he also grew up in Aberystwyth and spent most of his twenties in the seaside town running a busy cafe, PD's Diner, with his dad for eight years before it was sold.
After transforming an "extremely run-down garage" into a bright and inviting dog-friendly coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, Bam will serve coffee from different parts of the world as well as sweet treats and paninis. The new business owner said he loves being part of each step of the coffee-making process and serving customers but will also take on part-time staff so he can focus more of his time at his Crafty Smuggler coffee roastery in Mumbles.
With other local and independent businesses nearby like Hoogah and One Shoe Cafe on Brynymor Road, Bam said he is excited to be part of the growing and thriving coffee scene in Swansea which has proven that you don't need to be in the centre of Swansea to make a mark in the city. The café will open six days a week from Monday to Saturday at 8am-5pm.
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