12th century pub being restored to former glory
ONE of the oldest pubs in Wales is being given a new lease of life thanks to a man who’s both a publican and a rugby player.
When he’s not in training for the new season with Swansea RFC, Pylebased Steffan Jones is overseeing the transformation of the Old House Inn.
Steffan and his parents Sian and Jeff Jones have bought the pub and are pumping money into its transformation.
The total investment for the medieval hostelry in the village of Llangynwyd, near Maesteg, is around £1m.
“It’s historically important and everyone in the village has been really supportive,” said Steffan, 32, a back row and pub chef.
“People have been coming over and introducing themselves. I’m shocked at the amount of interest, not just from the village, but from around the Bridgend area and historical societies and even book clubs.
“All the clubs that used to meet here want to come back. We’ve also had American and Irish tourists up here looking.”
The pub dates back to 1147 and has had a long association with the New Year tradition of the Mari Lwyd (Grey Mare) and is connected with the traditional Welsh love story The Maid of Cefn Ydfa.
Past patrons have reportedly included David Bowie and Richard Burton.
But its doors shut suddenly almost two years ago, plunging its future into uncertainty.
Now work has started on creating a new extension which will hold five guest bedrooms, a wedding venue and function suite. Unwanted additions to the main pub made over the decades are also being removed.
Steffan – who formerly ran Ye Olde Wine House in Pyle and has purchased the Old House’s freehold – said they have already uncovered original features including fireplaces and a flagstone floor, which is thought to be around 200 years old.
The walls are also being stripped back to stone and the kitchen will be opened up so customers can see the chefs at work.
Steffan is also placing an emphasis on real ales sourced from local breweries and the use of Welsh produce.
He said: “The main goal is to make sure that the new extension and the old part work together, so we are using a lot of reclaimed material.
“We want to preserve the building, but we also understand that it needs to be modified.”
Steffan said he aims to welcome customers back to the Old House Inn next summer.