Alpine Coffee Shop that's 'an institution' in village to close

A HUGELY popular coffee shop will close next month after nearly 50 years.

- By OWEN HUGHES Business Correspondent

Alpine Coffee Shop opened its doors in Betws-y-Coed back in 1976.It is something of an institution in the town. It is situated next to the train station and owned by Jacha and Gwyneth Potgieter, with Sue Jones managing the kitchen.

As well as serving up great food and drinks they were known as a “cafe with a conscience” through their conservation and fair trade work.

But the owners have announced it will close next month.

They said: "After many wonderful decades at the heart of Betws-y-Coed, we would like to share an important and bittersweet announcement: the Alpine Coffee Shop will be retiring, with our final day of operation on 5th January 2026.