VILLAGE SAVED PUB...NOW IT’S BEEN NAMED BEST IN WALES:
APUB which a few years ago teetered on the brink of closure has been named the best in Wales.
It was almost time at the bar indefinitely for the Iorwerth Arms in 2014 when the business was put on the market.
Then owner Punch Taverns slapped a for-sale sign on the building in Bryngwran, Anglesey. It almost fell into the hands of a developer who wanted to build houses on the land.
But unhappy with plans to call last orders, punters in the Anglesey community launched a huge campaign to save their beloved local. After a year of hard work, residents managed to stump up the cash to buy the business.
And it was drinks all around in the village this week as punters’ efforts were rewarded when the pub was named this year’s ‘Welsh Champion’ at the Countryside Alliance Awards.
Neville Evans, chairman of Bryngwran Cymunedol who run the pub, said “It was amazing. We weren’t expecting it at all but everybody is delighted with this recognition.”
The Countryside Alliance promotes issues relating to rural life. At its annual awards ceremony – dubbed ‘the rural Oscars’ – judges from across the UK praised the community behind the Iorwerth Arms for “ensuring a future for the pub and indeed the community”.
The pub’s recent success is a far cry from its bleak situation five years ago. To save the business, residents set up a not-forprofit company, Bryngwran Cymunedol. They secured a £125,000 loan from the Wales Council for Voluntary Action so the site could be bought. The first pints were pulled at the bar when it was opened by the community in 2015. Since then, it has evolved into a social hub and is brimming with punters nearly every weekend.
Key decisions for the venture are made by a committee made up of people who live and work in the area including hospital porters, teachers and council workers.
Future plans include renovating a barn on the site so it can be used by local businesses – which will cost around £145,000.
Mr Evans said: “When you walk in, you’ll find that we are a small, average pub. But it’s our story that captivates people. So much so that it’s not just a pub any more – it’s a place to socialise and witness all walks of life.
“The support from the rest of the community has been incredible over the last four years. We intend to use the money we earn at the pub to help out with other community ventures. We want to thank everyone who has contributed towards this success: directors, staff, customers, and everyone who has supported us over the past four years. This is what happens when a community works together.”