Popular Cardiff Street Food Venue, TwentySix, Announces Closure After Two Years of Operation
In a recent announcement, the popular independent café, bar, and street food venue, TwentySix, located in The Bone Yard in Canton, Cardiff, revealed that it will not be reopening this year. The establishment has been a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, hosting a variety of events and offering a platform to numerous street food vendors over the past two years.
TwentySix, named after the owner’s nephew’s birthday, first opened its doors in Canton in March 2023. Since then, it has become known for its vibrant atmosphere and community-focused approach. The venue has been a hub for creativity, hosting events such as Canton Crufts, The Chilli Challenge, Supper Clubs, Bone Yard Bazaars, and pop-up cinemas.
Helen Gorman, the entrepreneur behind TwentySix as well as pop-up café TOAST and Bad Boy Brownies, took to social media to share the news of the closure. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, she expressed both sadness and pride in the decision, highlighting the venue’s accomplishments and the sense of community it fostered in Canton.
Gorman stated, “It is with a touch of sadness I announce that I will not be reopening TwentySix this year. Whilst I write this with some sadness I am also filled with immense pride about what our little slice of Canton has achieved over the last few years!”
The entrepreneur also mentioned the challenges of running an independent hospitality business and her readiness for a change in pace. Despite the closure, Gorman expressed gratitude for the support and camaraderie the venue had received from the community and wished luck to whoever would be taking over the space.
Following the announcement, an outpouring of comments from saddened patrons flooded in on social media, with many expressing their fond memories of TwentySix and well wishes for the future. The closure of the venue marks the end of an era for the Cardiff street food scene, leaving a gap in the community that will be deeply felt by those who frequented the establishment.
As TwentySix searches for a new business to take over the space, its legacy as a hub for creativity, culinary delights, and community spirit will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of experiencing it. The closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by independent businesses in the hospitality industry and the importance of supporting local ventures in sustaining vibrant communities.
The news of TwentySix’s closure underscores the ever-changing landscape of the food and beverage industry, with the venue’s absence leaving a void in the hearts of Cardiff residents and food enthusiasts. Despite the bittersweet farewell, the legacy of TwentySix is sure to live on in the memories of those whose lives it touched during its time in operation.
In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, the closure of TwentySix serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of hospitality ventures and the resilience required to navigate the challenges of the industry. As Cardiff bids farewell to this beloved street food venue, the hope for a new chapter in its place lingers, anticipating the next culinary gem that will capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike.