THE latest members of the Pumphouse family on Barry Waterfront is the Academy Espresso team, a husband and wife from Barry who are pursuing their dream of owning a high quality coffee bar.

In addition to last week's news that the Pumphouse will be home to the Hang Fire American BBQ restaurant, Dru and Louise Thomas have announced that the Academy Espresso Bar will be opening on Tuesday, December 15.

The pair, who are parents to two boys aged eight and 12, say that their aim is to give people in Barry a hub to visit and relax or work, aided by a cup of quality coffee and free Wi-Fi.

For the Thomas family, the bar is the end result of a long held dream of opening a coffee bar with both giving up work to put their all into the Pumphouse project.

Mr Thomas, 39, said: "We used to drive past this building, we've always loved it and we've always dreamed of opening a coffee shop so when the opportunity came up we just grabbed it with both hands.

"The building just lends itself to it, we couldn't have a nicer setting."

Mrs Thomas said: "We just love coffee, we're obsessed with coffee and the culture that goes with it. We're working with Clifton Roasters from Bristol, who are amazing, to bring good quality coffee to Barry."

The building has a particularly strong connection for Mrs Thomas, 39, whose grandfather worked at the Pumphouse for 15 years in wagon repair.

Academy Espresso will also be serving craft beers and artisan food and the Thomas' are hoping that between them and their neighbours in Hang Fire they can provide an exciting new venue for people in Barry.

Mr Thomas said: "There are a lot of people in Barry who want something like this and don't have it yet. Between us and next door we're hoping to fly the flag for independent business in Barry.

"There's nothing like us and there's nothing like them. With Simon Baston from DS Properties we're doing everything we can to make it a success."

Academy Espresso opens on December 15. For information visit Academy Espresso Bar on Facebook or @academyespresso on Twitter.