A PUB in Gwynedd is to briefly close for a major £150,000 revamp of its premises.
Y Meirion, in Blaenau Ffestiniog, will be shut from the end of service on Sunday (June 14) until early July.
The investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and its new licensees, father and son Bob and River Howell, will improve sports facilities and give the pub a new décor.
Screening of live sports and the serving of food are being introduced, while the existing manager, Delyth Jones, will continue at the pub, with the Howells working alongside her.
As a result of the investment, three new jobs will be created.
Y Meirion is the Howells’ first pub - born and brought up in America, Bob Howell has wanted to run a pub since the first day he stepped over the threshold of one in Essex 26 years ago.
He said: “I have worked in retail management, and run successful comedy nights up and down the country, but my dream has been to run a pub.
“When my family and I moved to Wales three years ago, we started looking in earnest. We visited 15 pubs before finding Y Meirion.
“We knew immediately that this was the one for us the moment we walked in the door. The atmosphere was wonderful. We visited as customers and were immediately made to feel welcome by the regulars. We had a great time.
“It’s not just us; everyone receives the same warm welcome. The people of Blaenau are some of nicest people I have ever met.
“The other deciding factor was Delyth. She’s loved by all and a bit of a local celebrity. She’s also a real pro and great at managing the pub.
“We have been at Y Meirion since February on a temporary arrangement and are now taking on the tenancy. I for one absolutely love it. It’s without a doubt the best job I have ever had.”
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Plans for Y Meirion include live music every Friday night and live DJs on Saturday evenings, starting in August.
Also from August, there will be quiz nights, acoustic karaoke, and music bingo.
The menu at Y Meirion will consist of traditional pub classics such as fish and chips, as well as a nod to Bob Howell’s American heritage, a choice of New York, Chicago and Texas style hotdogs.
The pub exterior is to be redecorated in two shades of grey with new gold lettering and signage showing a picture of the area.
Inside, the pub, which consists of a bar and snug, is to be redecorated throughout.
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