New owner Sian Jones to refurbish Griffin Inn pub and hotel for reopening later this year

The Griffin Inn, a Grade II listed building in Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, closed in 2017 after being put up for sale by previous owners Robinson Brewery.

The closure of the pub, which is also a restaurant and hotel, caused the loss of eight jobs and left villagers with Llanbedr DC Village Hall as their only social space.

But one resident has now bought the building, situated on the A494 between Ruthin and Mold, with the aim of refurbishing and reopening it within six months.

The Griffin Inn, Llanbedr DC

Sian Jones said she could not stand by while her local pub closed and decided to step forward after a community ownership fundraising campaign for private donations was discontinued in December. Despite backing from the Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd Community Council, which raised residents’ community tax contribution to boost the fundraiser, the campaign was unable to gather the £150,000 needed.

Ms Jones, who has the support of the community ownership campaign committee, said: “I’m really excited to reopen the pub. The fundraiser didn’t work but this is my local pub and I don’t want to see it close.

“There wasn’t a buyer stepping forward so I thought I would do it.

“There hadn’t been any recent investment under the previous owners, so all the downstairs will be refurbished and there will be a new-look restaurant and bar. There will also be four newly furbished letting bedrooms.”

"This is my local pub and I don’t want to see it close," said Griffin Inn owner Sian Jones

In the 1960s the inn was the home of soprano Joan Carlyle, who became one of the stars of Covent Garden Opera Company and an international celebrity.

Ms Jones said she plans for the pub to become a place for community group meetings.

It will also bring eight jobs and potentially more once the nearby housing development for 38 affordable homes by Bala-based Williams Homes is completed.

Ms Jones said: “The area needs a family pub; we don’t have a shop and there is only the village hall to meet up, so I think people are missing it.

“Hopefully the tourist market will benefit too.

“I want to get the builders in quickly and have the work done in about six months. There is no opening date yet but I want to open by late summer.”

Tim Baker, Llanbedr DC community councillor who chaired the community ownership fundraising campaign, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Sian has taken over with the aim to reopen the Griffin Inn again.

"The pub never would have survived in its old state and, when many pubs are closing in Britain, it is high risk.

"It is all about Sian and her vision now."

Cllr Huw Williams, county councillor for Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd and Llangynhafal, said: “It is great news for the village that Ms Jones has confidence in Llanbedr as many pubs are closing.

“People need decent food and decent drink, and any job creation is a positive way forward.”