Since 1978
A Short History
A visual timeline of Beanfreaks — from the early shelves to today.
Our story in snapshots
A dozen moments that show how the shop has grown with South Wales — always focused on helpful advice, honest ingredients, and local relationships.
• Independent since day one
• Local suppliers and seasonal focus
• Friendly advice, no hype
1978
The first shop, which Kevin lived above, opened in 1978 on Victoria Bridge in Penarth.
1982
Growing local supply lines and more pantry basics. Ask your parents if they remember when the world went from black and white to colour.
1987
Grand opening of the St Mary Street store launched by celebrity Bernie Winters.
1987
..and long before Beethoven there was Schnorbitz, or in this case, Schorbitz Jr.
1990
Upper Dock Street thriving in the middle of Newport with a cafe downstairs "The Happy Carrot Bistro".
1992
Natural Bodybuilders showing off their muscles and the baggy pants of the day.
1992
Protein and creatine coming into the mainstream.
1994
Still able to park on St Mary Street prior to it being pedestrianised.
1995
Lightning from Gladiators, Kim Betts signing autographs in Cardiff.