A family-run café rooted in the legacy of historic Welsh uprisings has taken a bold step forward, relocating to a larger, modern space with the backing of £260,000 from the Development Bank of Wales.
Caffi Beca, in Efailwen, Carmarthenshire, has been run by current owner Robert James since 1993. It provides home cooking-styled food and view of the West Wales countryside.
The business has now completed a major redevelopment, following the demolition of its former building and the construction of a newer, large café. It recently received a £50,000 micro loan from the Development Bank to support its growth after moving to its new building. This follows a £160,000 loan that was used to fund the refurbishments, plus a £50,000 loan via the Green Business Loan Scheme allowing Caffi Beca to install an air heat pump and solar panels on its new building as part of the upgrade.
Efailwen marks the site of the first Rebecca Riots, which took place in the mid-19th century and saw local farmers protest against harsh rates and tariffs by smashing turnpikes while dressed as women, leading to them being named Merched Beca (Rebecca’s Daughters). A mural depicting one of the riots painted on the wall of the earlier café has also been moved to the new building.
As well as its historic location and name, the café has been longstanding community favourite for more than 60 years, and was bought by Robert in 1993.
Robert James, owner of Caffi Beca, said: “I’m really pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve with the support we’ve had from the Development Bank of Wales. The new café building gives us a bigger space to welcome diners, while also preserving what locals have enjoyed at Caffi Beca for more than 30 years, with our 33rd year in the new building.
“The recent micro loan has allowed us to grow our business at a pace that’s right for us, and given us scope for further development, while the Green Business Loan meant we could install energy-saving measures as part of the creation of the new building.”
Nakeja Howell, Portfolio Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Robert and everyone at Caffi Beca. They provide a much-loved venue in a beautiful and historic setting, and the micro loan has allowed them to grow with minimal disruption to their business.”
The loans for Caffi Beca came from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund and the Green Business Loan Scheme. Financed by Welsh Government, the Wales Flexible Investment Fund is for deals between £25,000 and £10 million. Loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments are available for Welsh businesses with terms of up to 15 years.
The Green Business Loan Scheme offers discounted interest rates and patient capital to support businesses undertaking energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. Funding from £1,000 up to £1.5 million is available and the Scheme also provides access to fully and part-funded consultancy support to carry out business specific energy audits.
