Blaenau Ffestiniog Local to Close for Major £150,000 Revamp, Reopening in Time for the Summer Holidays

The only pub still open in Blaenau Ffestiniog town centre, Y Meirion, is to close after service on 14th June until early July for a major £150,000 refurbishment, reopening in time for the summer holidays. The investment by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs and its new licensees, father and son Bob and River Howell, will improve the pub's sports facilities and give it a smarter, more contemporary look inside and out, taking it to the next level.

Live sport screenings and food will be introduced as part of the transformation, alongside an expanded programme of live entertainment, helping to broaden the pub's appeal.

Existing manager Delyth Jones will continue to manage the pub, with Bob and River working alongside her. The investment will also create three additional jobs.

Y Meirion is Bob and River's first pub. Born and raised in America, Bob has wanted to run a pub since the first time he stepped through the doors of one in Essex 26 years ago.

Bob says: "I've worked in retail management and run successful comedy nights across the country, but my dream has always been to run a pub. When my family and I moved to Wales three years ago, we started looking in earnest. We visited 15 pubs before finding Y Meirion, and we knew the moment we walked through the door that it was the one for us.

"The atmosphere was wonderful. We visited as customers and were immediately made to feel welcome by the regulars. We had a fantastic time. It's not just us – everyone receives the same warm welcome. The people of Blaenau are some of the nicest I've ever met.

"The other deciding factor was Delyth. She's loved by everyone and is a bit of a local celebrity. She's also a true professional and does a fantastic job managing the pub.

"We've been at Y Meirion on a temporary arrangement since February and are now taking on the tenancy. I absolutely love it. Without a doubt, it's the best job I've ever had."

Bob and River plan to host live music every Friday evening and DJs every Saturday night from August. They hope to attract singers and DJs from across Wales and are inviting anyone interested to get in touch via the website.

From August, following the World Cup, the pub will also introduce quiz nights, acoustic karaoke and music bingo. If there's enough interest, Bob and River also hope to bring comedy nights back to the town and explore the possibility of hosting a community radio station.

The food menu will feature traditional pub favourites such as fish and chips, alongside a nod to Bob's American heritage with a choice of New York, Chicago and Texas-style hot dogs.

Ingredients will be sourced locally wherever possible, including vegetables from the new shop next door.

Behind the bar, alongside draught ales, customers will also find a range of local spirits and wines.

As part of the refurbishment, the exterior will be redecorated in two shades of grey with new gold lettering and signage featuring the local landscape, giving Y Meirion a smart new look to complement the upgraded interior.

Inside, the bar and snug will both be fully redecorated. The bar will feature soft green and taupe tones with a contrasting blue bar counter, while the snug will be finished in warm terracotta with soft green timber panelling. Framed images celebrating the area's railway and mining heritage will adorn the walls.

New fixed and freestanding furniture will include leather tub chairs, upholstered armchairs, new flooring, decorative ribbed glass pendant lighting, Roman blinds and curtains, as well as halo-lit dartboards in both rooms.

Bob adds: "We're all looking forward to unveiling the refurbished pub as a thank you to local residents for all their support. River and I are doing our best to learn Welsh and are looking for regular lessons from a local teacher, so please get in touch if that's you. For now, it's diolch to all our regulars."

Star Pubs Business Development Manager Tim Horner says: "We're delighted to be investing in Y Meirion. The refurbishment will create even better surroundings for regulars and visitors alike, and, combined with Bob and River's plans for the business, will broaden the pub's appeal. I wish the team every success."