WORK is underway on a major refurbishment of the Greenfield Valley Café – to be known as Y Caffi – as part of an ambitious 10-year vision to transform the historic site into one of the top visitor attractions in North Wales.
The project marks a significant milestone for Greenfield Valley Trust, which will bring the café under its direct management for the first time.
Profits generated will be reinvested back into Greenfield Valley, supporting heritage preservation, site maintenance and educational activity, while ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for visitors.
Supported by UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF), the long-planned refurbishment is underway and will run until mid-February.
Works include a full kitchen refit, upgraded patio areas and a complete redesign of the internal seating space.
The café is due to reopen in time for Easter and will be dog-friendly, family-friendly and fully accessible. It will act as a welcoming social hub for walkers, runners and families, while also supporting an expanded programme of indoor and outdoor events planned throughout 2026.
Ian Brebner, Chair of the Trust, said: “This is a bold and exciting step for Greenfield Valley. By managing the café ourselves, we can reinvest every pound directly back into the site and raise standards across the visitor experience. It’s a real statement of intent for the future.”
Trustee Samantha Lambert, who has played a key role in shaping the café’s new look and feel, added: “The redesign has been about creating a warm, contemporary space that reflects the character of the Valley. We want visitors to feel relaxed, welcome and inspired to spend time here, whether they’re calling in for a coffee or staying for an event.”
Trustees John Alun Jones and Conrad Jones said the café redevelopment is a cornerstone of the Trust’s wider strategy to increase visitor numbers, improve facilities and secure the long-term sustainability of the 70-acre site.
Y Caffi is part of wider programme of works that has benefited from £493,629 secured from UKSPF and Flintshire County Council. The overall scheme has delivered access improvement works, habitat and heritage monument schemes, museum displays, supported volunteering, archaeological excavations, events, and visitor centre enhancement.
Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Regeneration, Countryside and Tourism, Councillor Chris Dolphin said: “I’m delighted that Greenfield Valley Trust are taking on the café in the Valley, made possible by SPF support.
“This is a great example of how targeted investment can strengthen local attractions, enhance visitor experience and support long term sustainability.
“Greenfield Valley is such an amazing place to visit, a much-loved asset and this funding will help ensure it continues to thrive for residents, visitors and future generations while supporting the local community, economy and tourism offer.”
The café announcement follows a standout year for the Trust and comes as part of its wider vision for growth.
Greenfield Valley was recently awarded the national Investing in Volunteers accreditation, recognising its outstanding commitment to supporting and valuing volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role across the site – from delivering family activities and events, to researching the history of Basingwerk Abbey, transforming gardens and maintaining the landscape near Holywell.
Momentum has also been boosted by political backing, with Hannah Blythyn MS supporting the Trust’s ambition to attract more than 100,000 visitors a year and sensitively unlock the Valley’s 2,000 years of history.
As work continues on the café, the Trust is calling for new trustees to join its Board, particularly individuals with experience in heritage, law, education and conservation, to help drive the next phase of transformation.
