Barnams Cafe, a beloved ice cream parlour on Belfast's Lisburn Road, has announced it will close permanently on Saturday, October 31, after 45 years of trading. The decision follows the cafe being placed on the market in 2022.
Proprietors Aki and Brian McCullough confirmed the final day of trading. Aki told Belfast Live that increasing rent has made it impossible to continue, and she expressed sadness that Barnams' journey has reached its conclusion, though it will endure through cherished memories created there.
Four Decades of Service
The parlour has established itself as an institution on the Lisburn Road, serving breakfasts, lunches, cakes and more than 24 flavours of ice cream across three generations. It has been described as the self-proclaimed "most loved ice cream parlour" in Belfast.
Aki, who assumed control of the business in 2010, said: "I have owned it for 16 years and have met so many wonderful people. Thank you to all our lovely customers for all of your support."
A Legacy in the Area
She added: "I'm sorry to leave you now - unfortunately, we cannot carry on any longer. Barnams has been here for 45 years and will leave a legacy in the area - it breaks my heart that no one is able to take it over."
Aki noted that many customers will be upset by the closure because the business has been there so long. She has fond memories of bringing her children in for ice creams on summer days during their childhood.
Relocation and Resilience
Despite the original Barnams premises further along the Lisburn Road being destroyed three times, Aki persevered and invested her heart and soul into the enterprise. In 2012, Barnams relocated further up the thoroughfare to a larger cafe premises that served as its permanent base for more than 14 years until Aki's retirement.
Aki hopes that loyal patrons can visit this week before the establishment closes permanently, allowing them to enjoy one last portion of Barnams ice cream and bid farewell to a cherished part of the city's heritage.
