Hi Tide History

Giovanni moved his wife and children from Ynyshir in the Rhondda, to Porthcawl, with hard work and determination the seeds were sown. In the 1950’s Giovanni built a few wooden shops on the site, selling teas and drinks for the beach, later adding a self-service café facing the beach,

serving holidaymakers staying at Trecco Bay and day-trippers from the valleys, the business started to grow.

From these small beginnings in 1964 Seashore Enterprises (Porthcawl ) Ltd was born. Giovanni, his son Clide, and his sisters were the founders of the company. Clide and his sister Rozina enthusiastically carried on the family business replacing wooden buildings with more permanent brick built structures.

Due to the closure of the railways and the fact that the business relied on seasonal trade, Clide realised it was necessary to change direction and look for an all year round trade, so in 1977 half the Hi-Tide self service café was converted into the Hi-Tide pub. The business ran for many years growing steadily and won for itself a reputation for good service, food and entertainment.

Clide after securing the foundations for the future of the business, was forced to retire due to ill health, However that did not stop him from remaining a director and taking a keen interest until he passed away in 2003. Remaining a family business over the last 20years Francesca and Geoff Dower have built the Arcade, new shops, the Breakwater Lounge, Bayside Lounge and a number of extensions to the Hi-Tide bar, continually investing to cater for its increased popularity.

The atmosphere and location of the complex has encouraged people from all walks of life to visit and enjoy the hospitality the Hi-Tide offers. June 2005 saw the opening of The Harbour Lights Lounge and Sundeck, with its breathtaking views across the beachhead, and at the closing of the day it’s the perfect place to relax.

The original Hi-Tide bar has recently been refurbished and architecturally designed to provide a truly 21st century function room, with creative state of the art lighting and sound systems. In January 2006 a new look Breakwater Lounge will show yet again the determination of Francesca and Geoff to meet the increasing demands of its customers.