A beloved South Belfast ice cream parlour has revealed it will shut its doors following four decades of serving up scoops. Barnams Cafe has established itself as an institution on the Lisburn Road, delighting local residents with delicious treats across three generations.
The self-proclaimed “most loved ice cream parlour” in Belfast is renowned for serving breakfasts, lunch, cakes and more than 24 flavours of ice cream. Following the cafe being placed on the market in 2022, proprietors Aki and Brian McCullough have confirmed their final day of trading will be Saturday, October 31. Aki informed Belfast Live that increasing rent has rendered it impossible for them to continue, adding she will be saddened that Barnams’ journey has reached its conclusion, though it will endure through the cherished memories created there, reports Belfast Live.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“I’m sure a lot of customers will be so upset that we are closing because it has been here so long.”
Aki assumed control of the business in 2010, having numerous fond memories of bringing her children in for ice creams on summer days during their childhood.
Her journey reflects dedication and resilience – despite the original Barnams premises further along the Lisburn Road being destroyed three times, she persevered and invested her heart and soul into the enterprise.
In 2012, Barnams relocated further up the bustling thoroughfare to a larger café premises that would serve as its permanent base for more than 14 years until Aki’s retirement.
Aki is hoping that numerous 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.
