Awen explains how it began: “Jo [Mercer, of Kyffin Café] and I had many conversations over a panad, and, like most conversations in Kyffin, other customers often joined in. We’d chat about the challenges facing the High Street and how we could create something that worked for both business and community.”
During Bangor’s Summer Festival in 2024, Kyffin Café hosted its own programme of entertainment, Pobol Pendref. One of the performers was poet Martin Daws. After chatting with Martin, Awen realised there was potential for collaboration. “Although we came from very different fields, Martin, Emma, and I agreed it would be exciting to try running a business shaped by what the community wanted. That conversation evolved into the first collaboration, and the seed that grew into @109.”
In January 2025, the group moved from talking to doing. A sofa was placed in the empty shop at 109 High Street, and local people were invited to share what they wanted the space to become. Responses were mixed, some wanted a small market, like the old Wellfield, while others hoped for a space for art, music, and workshops. The common ground was clear: people wanted a retail space that thought outside the box. Not a traditional shop, but a flexible platform where makers, artists, and small businesses could test ideas, showcase work, and connect and build a customer base.
In April, @109 opened its first exhibition featuring African artist Mfikela Jean Samuel, who has made Bangor his home. He visited the shop and chatted with the team on the sofa, helping create the very first exhibition. This artwork is now going on a roadshow as part of workshops for schools, societies, or private sessions for groups of friends and family. Martin, who has used the opportunity to develop as a curator and promoter, said he was sad to see the art come down but excited to work with Mfikela on workshops and explore other avenues as an artist, thinking outside the box for future projects.
That vision has shaped @109 into both a shop and a creative space. It offers a flexible retail model that adapts to different needs, from artwork and music to workshops and exhibitions.
As Awen puts it: “We want this to be a place where people can promote, collaborate, create, and connect in a fun and inspiring way. It’s just the beginning, and we’d love to hear more suggestions as we grow.”
Jo Mercer has since opened a bookshop within Kyffin Café, continuing her commitment to offer customers what they want. The space provides book lovers with speciality teas, coffee, food, and a comfortable place to read and relax.
The first official collaboration at @109 launches with the Kirk Andrews Exhibition, opening 25 September and running for five weeks. A passionate music fan, Kirk has created a playlist to accompany the show. In a neighbourly twist, Mudshark Records (123 High Street) will be playing the same playlist in their shop, where many tracks are also available on vinyl. Conversations with owner Jeff have already sparked ideas for further collaborations.
Looking ahead, @109 is pleased that 76 sessions are already booked up to Christmas, see socials and website for details. We’re also busy establishing a directory of local suppliers for art, ceramics etc, please get in touch if you would like to sell in our shop. There are more music sessions booked and much more. Follow us or even better come in for a chat and share your ideas with us.
The team will also be running a spotlight series on Pendref businesses – who, what, and where – let us know if you would like to be part of this project.
See you soon at @109 where retail, creativity, and community come together.
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