A good pub should be the centre of community life, a place where you can enjoy home cooked food, a well stocked bar of drinks, a chance to socialise with friends and in some cases enjoy regular entertainment BUT at least 28 pubs close every week!
April is Community Pubs month and a chance for local pubs to promote and market their business in order to attract new customers. It is also a chance for members of the community to give their local pub a try - and remember if you don't drink alcohol you can always order a soft drink or a coffee.
The last few years has seen communities come together to save their local pub from closure by running it themselves, two in Wrexham include:
Saith Seren
Saith Seren in Wrexham is a community run pub and a hub for Welsh speakers and non Welsh speakers alike. Reopened as a co-operative with over 100 members, Saith Seren specialises in promoting the Welsh language.
Offering a warm, friendly welcome to everyone who walks through the door, this popular pub offers cosy fires, an array of beers, wines and spirits and a pool table enjoyed by many. For those that didn't know, the upstairs of this beautiful listed building provides a variety of refurbished rooms already hired out for welsh lessons, charity meetings and support groups and there is even a crèche so you can have peace of mind that your child is being cared for. Rooms can be hired out to community groups at very affordable prices.
The Tyn y Capel in Minera
Opened last year (2013), The Tyn y Capel in Minera has just celebrated its first year anniversary. Staffed by volunteers, with the exception of their professional and experienced Chefs, The Tyn y Capel Inn and Restaurant offers everything you would expect from a local pub and more.
Over 100 people bought shares in the Tyn y Capel and they have also received a grant from The Lottery Village SOS fund and other local institutions to help them open. They are always on the lookout for volunteers so don't hesitate to offer if you can lend a hand.
Pay your community pub in Wrexham a visit to show some support.
If you are interested in saving a pub in Wrexham through community ownership, contact CAMRA - they have some great tips on getting started.
