Restaurant owners thank ‘inspirational’ community for support

The founders of a new seafood restaurant and takeaway have said they have been overwhelmed by the support of the community since opening.

Lee and Samantha Humphreys opened Fish Kitchen 1931 in Bargoed in November last year after an extensive refurbishment of the former Conti fish and chip shop.

The couple had already seen success after opening award-winning Fish Kitchen 1854 in Maesycwmmer – which takes its name from the year the viaduct was opened.

The Bargoed restaurant takes inspiration from Conti’s, which originally opened in 1931.

Lee said: “It has been unbelievable. I didn’t know what we expected, but our community and loyal customers never fail to surprise us.

“The way they have supported us in this early phase has been nothing short of inspirational. It’s heartwarming and gives me goosebumps and makes us thankful for the way they look after and protect their own.

“It has been hectic – no doubt. Maesycwmmer has been doing really well over the years, but the way the restaurant has been received has taken it to a new level.”

The restaurant now boasts a new mezzanine floor created above the kitchen and has table booths, designed in the theme of a viaduct, with each one being named after local collieries.

The history of these is celebrated with each booth having a screen telling the heritage and history of the respective area.

Fish Kitchen 1931 received two grants from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, amounting to £50,000.

They also received a further £10,000 grant from Caerphilly Enterprise Fund and a £25,000 grant from the Transforming Towns Fund.

Despite the grant funding, it has been a huge personal commitment for Lee and Samantha to see the project through.

The old Conti’s was bought in August 2020 after the success of their Maesycwmmer venture, but the pandemic and local lockdowns meant slow progress. Issues with the building and rising costs saw their investment turn into a “nightmare”.

But with Samantha growing up in Bargoed and Lee having a personal connection with Conti’s (his late father having been a regular), it was important for them to see it through.

The 58-seat restaurant operates two menus – one during the day and one in the evening – and this approach has been a huge success so far.