Penarth Windsor Tea Room's fury at losing parklets seating

Penarth Times reported on July 17 that Vale Council were looking into removing the unusual outdoor seating area dotted around town, giving Penarth that unique feel.

Arguably the prettiest of all these unique outdoor seating areas is Windsor Tea Rooms’ at the end of the arcade.

Tearoom owner Jason Payter spent £2,500 on his parklets furniture and £500 on the upkeep of the plants.

His parklet is such a hit that people book to eat in it, however they may not be able to for much longer.

Mr Payter described himself as ‘annoyed’ that his parklet is potentially going.

“There is no negotiation here, we were not told,” said Mr Payter.

“I’m grateful for them being there in Covid and helping the recovery, but we are still recovering.

“We have older customers who still do not have the confidence to come inside. It will definitely affect my business if they go.”

It most definitely will, and in the most severe of ways. Mr Payter says he is already having to make one member of staff redundant because of the decision.

The parklet outside Windsor Tea Rooms (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Payter has even done the math. He reckons the turnover from his parklet between 2023 and 2024 was £60,000 including £20,000 of stock being brought from other local businesses in the town to supply the trade he gets from the parklets.

Other businesses in town are furious also. Foxy Deli owner Sian Fox is gutted her parklet is potentially being taken away.

However, Waterloo tearooms in the Washington Building on Stanwell Road say it won’t affect their business much.

Councillor Mark Wilson confirmed the parklets would be going, repurposing them in schools.

“The council has decided to remove these spaces, which are the last of the Covid 19 projects in place,” said Cllr Wilson.

“We will work with local businesses to coordinate their removal, providing ample notice.”

Owner Jason Payter says his parklet can generate £60,000 a year (Image: Newsquest)

Parklets are dotted around the town, including at Foxy's Deli who are gutted to see theirs going (Image: Newsquest)

Vale councillor for Stanwell, Mark Wilson previously issued a statement saying the parklets were going (Image: Vale Council)

One of the issues said to have been raised was freeing up parking spaces, something Mr Payter does not buy.

“What difference is two spaces going to make? Two streets away, people can park for free and it is just a two minute walk. I thought the council wants everyone to be healthy?”

Vale Council has reiterated it is still considering how and when the parklets will be removed.

Mr Payter is not optimistic for his outdoor seating provision. Hs parklet is on a very narrow piece of pavement – no good for putting chairs and tables on.

“We’re going backwards,” said Mr Payter. “They all know these are a benefit to the town centre, we have councillors even using them.

“I have bookings on these and people are asking me is it going to be there?

“It’s like they (the council) are trying to ruin the town centre and us traders are trying to save it.”

Should they stay or should they go? Like parklets? Use parklets? Let us know!

Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.