A PUB near Llandrindod Wells that has recently been taken over by a new owner has announced it will be back “in full swing” this weekend, after reopening this week.
The Bell Country Inn, in Llanyre, just outside Llandrindod, is now in the hands of Neil Sanders – who brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously owned The Hampton Hotel and other restaurants in the spa town.
The pub was put up for sale in January, after previous owner Steve Barker said in December that he had fallen victim to a £60,000 scam on the eve of Christmas.
The pub has been open for drinks on Thursday and Friday this week, with Neil announcing that the kitchen will re-open on Saturday.
“The time has come, we are officially open,” he said on his Facebook page on Thursday.
“Drinks only tonight and Friday then we will be in full swing with the kitchen fully open on Saturday, and our first Sunday lunch is this Sunday; bookings not necessary but advisable to guarantee.
“We are in the process of creating new social media pages. Thank you to all the team for huge effort to get open this week, we look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”
A former 17th-century drovers’ rest, the inn features a 60-cover restaurant, 10 letting rooms, a dog-friendly bar, a private function room and outdoor space.
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Neil said previously: “Historically, The Bell has always done well and I hope people will support us.
“This is a destination pub and venue that needs to be known for its quality, home-cooked food using fresh, local ingredients.
“We already have one wedding booked in and we want to become a one-stop venue for family occasions, parties and corporate events.”
He is being supported by a team of six, including his daughter Heather, who will serve as manager, and head chef Martin Byrne.
A carpenter by trade, Neil has worked in the licensed trade since 2013 and is also a retained firefighter in Llandrindod.
To support his new venture, he has joined Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru), which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd.
“I was looking at opportunities to promote the business and Mid Wales Tourism stood out for the quality of its publications and the helpfulness of the staff,” he added.
“These guys certainly know what they are doing.”
The Bell Country Inn, which dates back to the 17th century, had been on the market for just under £500,000.
It was rebuilt in 1888 by the Gibson-Watt family, significantly extended in the 1970s, and refurbished in 2008.
Neil’s vision is to restore the inn’s reputation for quality dining and events, with a particular focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and excellent service.
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