The new owner of Welshpool’s oldest pub has called the first bank holiday weekend of trading “fantastic”.

The Talbot Inn, on Welshpool's High Street, marked its first week since re-opening after a lengthy closure and several months on the market.

After being purchased by Michelle Youens, from Oswestry, earlier in 2024, the Grade II listed building re-opened on April 27 for a new lease of life after being closed for over a year.

Speaking on her first week as owner of the re-opened pub, she said: “Thank you to the fab people of Welshpool for making my first opening week at ‘The Talbot’ absolutely fantastic.

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“The pool tables are up and running and we had our first live music event on Saturday with the talented ‘Lie Detectors’.”

Ms Youens purchased the pub earlier this year, as it was put on the market by its owners Admiral Taverns in June 2023 as a freehold as it initially looked for offers in the region of £250,000.

After several months on the market the pub struggled to find a buyer, eventually having its price slashed. In January of this year, the pub’s price was dropped to £195,000, more than a 20 per cent below the initial price.

Upon announcing that she was the new owner of the pub, she said: “I’m excited to share with you my next adventure. I’m now the very proud owner of this gorgeous 16th Century pub in Welshpool. It’s full of character and charm and I feel privileged to be part of its history."

The pub dates back over 400 years and has retained many of its original features, only being expanded and increased in height during the 18th century.

Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams also visited the pub on its first day of business, saying: “Fantastic to go to the opening of The Talbot in Welshpool today. Congratulations and the very best of luck to Michelle.”