I first heard about this ‘little’ project about a year ago, and I was super excited that Barry is finally getting developed into a trendy little town on the Welsh coast. I heard rumours of independent shops, and food, and bars…. And I was no disappointed with my first visit to The Goodsheds last weekend.

So, What’s there?

The Shipyard, 54 shipping containers stacked to form this amazing retail structure, stands tall and proud against the red brick of the old railway buildings. There are 25 retailers housed here, ranging from accountants, to accessories, from food, to fashion.

The Sidings is the historic 1880’s railway goods shed which hosts 5 more businesses including The Craft Republic bar and beer shop, and an outdoor gym The Tren Station.

Still to come is The Tracks, two Gatwick Express carriages which will be transformed into creative spaces. One carriage will host 5 more businesses, such as Matthew Jones Ceramics Ltd, and a bespoke entertainment space with a cinema. There will also be a steam train running to the Island. We can also expect to see a specialist butcher, florist, and a green grocer market place.

If all that isn’t enough, then the Goodsheds also offers accommodation, Goodstay in conjunction with Urban Space. The Goodstay offers a selection of 1 and 2 bed apartments, each one with a unique style, individual entrance, and bespoke names. If I didn’t live so close I would love to stay a night or two!

What did I do?

The Vintage Hair Salon drew me in first, my hair was in dire need of TLC and the reviews this salon has had are amazing, so how could I say no! The amazing Kady knew exactly what to do, no hesitation, just straight in with suggestions. Always a bonus as I never know what to do with my hair (first world problems!).

Always one to kill 2 birds with one stone, I took this opportunity to look around some other vendors and have a spot of lunch.

Annie & Lolo have a wide range of knick-knacks; from notebooks, to plant pots, and earrings, to bath bars. I couldn’t resist getting a new pair of earrings, with a delicate crescent moon on them, and a bath slab by Miss Patisserie.

The gorgeous make-up brushes from Spectrum Collections had me before I even went to Barry! This was my second stop of the day after the hairdressers. How adorable are they! All I need to do now is learn how to put make-up on!

My last stop was at The Academy Junction coffee hut to have a well needed refuel.

Overall Impression

There is so much more I need to explore so another trip back is definitely on the cards (as I’m going back to VHS for more hair TLC!).

I am glad this has happened so close to where I live. It is about time Barry had serious money spent there to regenerate the area; it has been dilapidated and deteriorating for many years (probably since the removal of Barry Butlin’s!!). This will be a huge attraction bringing much needed money back to the area. It also means the Island isn’t so remote with the space between the town and Island being developed. I am excited for the future of Barry! All that is needed now is for Holton Road to have a make-over.

Have you been to The Goodsheds yet? What was your favourite thing about it? ❤