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Inside pub that Hollywood star helped save from closure
The Glan yr Afon, also known as the Riverside, is adding a new shop two years after it was bought and reopened by the local community - and Hollywood star Matthew Rhys
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A country pub sprinkled with a touch of Hollywood glamour is set to open a small shop two years after it was purchased and reopened by the local community. The Glan yr Afon, also known as the Riverside, located in Pennal, Gwynedd, has started welcoming guests after transforming upstairs rooms into chic accommodation.
The historic pub gained fame when a community-led initiative was launched to keep it within the community. This initiative was backed by Hollywood star Matthew Rhys, raising over ÂŁ250,000 towards the ÂŁ450,000 needed to buy out the business after its previous owner stepped down.
The award-winning actor supported the cause as his father was born on a nearby farm. Despite being born in Cardiff himself, Matthew shared on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that he spent "a number of my halcyon days as a youth" at the Glan yr Afon. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
The Glan yr Afon, also known as the Riverside, in PennalThe fundraising target was achieved in December 2022, and the pub reopened as a community-run establishment in February 2023. Volunteer members of a Community Benefits Society manage the pub and employ staff to operate it.
As the pub was purchased as a going concern, the transition was smooth and few initial upgrades were required. However, it soon became clear that additional income was necessary, and in January 2024 work commenced on converting six unused bedrooms above the pub, reports North Wales Live. Bookings began in November.
"We now have four rooms available," said Meirion Roberts, a founding member of the Community Interest Society that spearheaded this ambitious project. "They are larger than those here previously as we had to cater for the demands of modern guests. We've anglers, builders and tradespeople staying here, and tonight we're fully booked with country sportspeople.
"The Wales Coast Path runs straight through the village but we've not really begun targeting walkers yet. As the village is in the national park, tourism is something we need to focus on. We had to develop the accommodation side of the business to make it more financially viable. Last year more than 400 pubs closed in the UK, so I'm told by the Plunkett Foundation, and things are becoming harder and harder in the hospitality sector."
"The next venture is Siop y Glan, a small shop that will open in the coming weeks," Meirion continued. "Housed in a small wooden building in the pub's grounds, this will provide the village's 400 residents with an alternative to the four-mile drive to Machynlleth in the neighbouring county of Powys. Unlike the accommodation, the shop is more altruistic than financial, chiming with the pub's ethos of supporting local businesses and food producers. "
"We have quite an elderly population in the village and several of them don't drive. The shop will give them a local outlet. If it works, it works, we'll just have to see how it goes."
The pub in Pennal is not only a hub for social gatherings but also serves as an active promoter of Welsh language and culture, Meirion said. "The village of Pennal boasts rich historical connections, particularly with two legendary Welsh figures. For 400 years, descendants of the revered 13th-century Prince of Wales, Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn The Great), called Esgair Weddan farm their home.
"Moreover, Pennal's claim to fame includes its ties to Owain GlyndwÌr, most notably through his Pennal Letter of 1406âa missive addressed to the King of France outlining his vision for an independent Wales, and a policy document without parallel from the medieval era. These distinguished associations proved beneficial during the fundraising efforts for the local pub. "You might think most of the 434 shareholders are local. But we checked!"
In fact, less than 30% were from the parish. The rest are from expats, especially America, who probably have an interest in Welsh history. Having secured its place at the heart of the community, the Glan yr Afon has now earned a spot among the contenders for the prestigious 2025 Countryside Alliance awardsâoften referred to as the 'Rural Oscars'. In this yearly homage to British food, farming, heritage, and enterprise, Glan yr Afon has been nominated for the accolade of pub of the year in Wales. Visitors to the Glan Yr Afon have been left thoroughly impressed with the pub's recent renovations, and barman Erwan Jones has been singled out for his exceptional service on Tripadvisor. A satisfied guest shared their experience: "Had a lovely stay at the Glan Yr Afon for a few days over Christmas. The room was large and the bed extremely comfy. They had local Welsh tea, coffee and hot chocolate available in the rooms and local toiletries in the bathroom. The pub is a great location for walks and clay pigeon shooting, and it was great to be able to go for dinner and drinks there too.
The nomination for an award has been seen as recognition of Pennal's dedication to making the establishment a success. Meirion, reflecting on the journey, said: "To think we were on the brink of losing this lifeline for the community a few years ago.... it makes us all immensely proud to be nominated for an award such as this.
Pennal and its vicinity are considered among the top 10% most deprived areas in Wales regarding access to services. Keeping the pub open is vital, as Meirion explains: "To be able to keep this asset in the community is incredibly important â it's not just a pub but also a social hub, a provider of locally sourced food and drink, and a means of attracting visitors to the area." Reflecting on the past struggles and current achievements, Meirion added: "It has been quite a journey over the last few years from the dark days of thinking we were going to lose it, to where we are today. Winning the award would mean so much for our small community."
The Glan yr Afon is up against some tough competition in the awards, and itâs not just the title on the lineâlocal pride is also at stake. Another contender for the top pub award is the Wynnstay hotel and restaurant in Machynlleth - this local gem was taken over last year by a couple who decided to put down roots in the Dyfi Valley instead of moving to Hawaii. Rounding out the finalists are the Holland Hotel in Llanfachraeth, Anglesey, and The Tair Bull Inn in Libanus, Powys.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Countryside Alliance awards are unique in that they are fuelled by public nominations and votes. The voting window remains open until February 22, and you can cast your vote here. The winners will be celebrated at an event in the Senedd, Cardiff, on April 27, before heading to the UK final where the national champions will be announced at the House of Lords on June 18.
Rachel Evans, the Countryside Alliance Wales director, said: "Yet again, we have been taken aback by the volume of nominations this year. So many wonderful businesses have been sent in by the public. Every business has an important story to tell - it's so important that they are recognised."
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