The new The Observatory venue in Swansea that has been years in the making has finally opened to the public. Located right on Swansea Bay's beachfront, it features boutique holiday lets and a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a cocktail while you watch the waves crash in and see the sun set over the glorious bay.
The Observatory opened last week, eight years after it was bought by businessman Noah Redfern - the man behind Noah's Yard in Uplands and Flickering Light in Wind Street. According to social media posts, The Observatory is "open roughly 25% of the finished product" and will gradually start to serve brunch before it later introduces evening meals. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
Speaking about the project in 2019, Mr Redfern said the delays completing it had 'broken my heart in a way'. You can read more about that here. Back then, he was hopeful the business would be able to throw open its doors by the summer - three years later than originally planned. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
He said then: “It’s been a frustrating time, but I hope we’ll be able to finally open by the summer. Our first contractors working on the observatory went bankrupt, and we’ve had issues with the second. With the purchase of the building and all the money put into it, it’s not far off £1million. And the delay means I’ve lost a couple of years revenue on top of that. It’s been quite upsetting.
“It’s broken my heart in a way, but it has all been out of my control.”
Just a few months after that interview, Wales experienced the start of the Covid pandemic, which saw multiple lockdowns and the closure of all hospitality. Mr Redfern declined to comment this week on the long-awaited opening of The Observatory.
But it's been stated that the venue, used by Swansea Astronomical Society before it closed in 2009, will feature a dedicated cocktail bar. Cakes are served all day and plant-based and gluten-free options are available, while the ever popular Nonna's plant-based doughnuts will also be on offer. You can read more about the plant-based doughnuts that are taking over Swansea here!
The Observatory is dog-friendly so you can bring your pup along for a coffee and enjoy the views. Opening times are 10am-6pm Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-11pm Friday-Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays. It will be taking reservations in the future but is currently accepting walk-ins.
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