Pub favoured by Hollywood royalty up for auction

AN historic Valleys pub once loved by Hollywood royalty is going to auction.

Pencelli Hotel in Treorchy, reputed to have been a favoured haunt of Hollywood megastars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, called last orders a couple of years ago.

But now the Rhondda valley pub, which can trace its history back to the eighteenth century, is looking for a new lease of life under fresh ownership.

The former hostelry, on Pencai Terrace, next to the town’s Pengelli Bowls Club and Ystradfechan Park, is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions. It is listed with a guide price of £173,000-plus.

The vendor of the former hotel described it as being “nestled at the head of the town of Treorchy”, which was voted best town in the Great British high street awards 2020.

“The property is a substantial building, benefiting from scenic views of the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach valleys that surround the property,” they said.

“With the location and proximity of the town and local amenities this makes The Pencelli Hotel both perfect for future business and ideal for numerous commercial opportunities.

“Directly across the road from the Pencelli Hotel is the Ystradfechan recreation area that was given to the community by the Ocean Coal company just after the First World War as a showpiece park.

“It features a model playground, complete with children’s paddling pool, tennis courts, vast lush playing fields and a bowling green.”

They went on to explain how the venue was re-opened in 2016 and became “arguably the most successful public house in the Rhondda valleys”, boasting multiprestigious Camra awards until the public house closed due to the landlord’s ill health in 2022.

“The Pencelli was renowned for its real ales, real ciders and live music that attracted customers from near and far including politicians, sportspeople and TV celebrities,” they said.

“It is said that Hollywood mega stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were frequently seen in the back snug of the Pencelli.

At the end of the Second World War the decision to reform the world-renowned Treorchy Male Voice Choir was made in the bar of the Pencelli Hotel.”

■■The Pencelli Hotel, along with some 80 plus other properties, will be sold online at the next Paul Fosh Auctions sale which starts from 12pm, on Tuesday, May 14, and ends at 5pm, on Thursday, May 16. Visit https://www. paulfoshauctions.com for more information.