Bwyd Da Bangor on Bangor High Street has announced that it will close on 31st March.

The popular ethically and environmentally sustainable not-for-profit café, opened in 2021 and  combined a membership-based food share programme, re-distributing surplus supermarket stock, with a high-quality training café.

The site is home to food club, café, deli and bistro. It also provided space for local artists to showcase their work and for local talent to shine on open mic days. Bwyd Da Bangor was also open for bookings of special occasions and events, such as weddings and anniversaries.

Bwyd Da Bangor received financial support from Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Steve Morgan Foundation, as well as North Wales Housing and Adra (Tai) Cyfyngedig to set up the venture.

A statement on social media read: “It’s with great sadness that we announce that Bwyd Da will close its doors for trading on the 31st March.

“As some of you may be aware, Bwyd Da is dependent upon grant funding to operate and sadly we have been unable to secure any for the future financial year 2025-2026.

“After exhausting all potential revenue options, we are therefore faced with the sad but inevitable decision to close our doors.

“We’re aware of the significant impact this will have upon both the High Street but also the wider community, many of whom rely upon Bwyd Da, to subsidise there weekly food shop, or use it as their primary source of support to address addiction, MH or simple social isolation issues.

“Our priority now is to try and rescue as much of the social value delivered by Bwyd Da.

“To this end an open public meeting is being held on Thursday 13th March at 6pm, in order to address any concerns you may have around the imminent closure, outline what provision will be available moving forwards and to listen to any ideas or suggestions that we may have previously  missed.

“Bwyd Da would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our customers, friends and steering group partners who’ve battled tirelessly to keep Bwyd Da open. Sadly we’ve been unable to find a sustainable future for Bwyd Da but are immensely proud of the social value and sense of Community it has brought to Bangor High  Street.

“Diolch BDB.”

MS reacts to Bwyd Da Bangor Closure

Siân Gwenllian, the Member of  the Senedd for Arfon, said: “I’m deeply disappointed to hear that Bwyd Da Bangor will be closing its doors at the end of the month.

“When I met with James Deakin from BDB in December to discuss the project’s financial challenges, I urged the Welsh Government to explore every possible option to secure its future.

“I stressed the café’s vital role in revitalizing the High Street, as well as the invaluable work it does to address local mental health issues and reduce food waste.

“I appreciate that Cyngor Gwynedd Gwynedd has previously stepped in to support Bwyd Da Bangor when funding from another source failed to materialize, and I thank them for their efforts.

“It’s incredibly sad that a solution could not be found. The closure of Bwyd Da Bangor is a significant loss for Bangor and the wider community.”