Welsh community-owned pub celebrates one year of trading

THE Radnor Arms situated in the Welsh border town of New Radnor, is celebrating one year of regular trading this Saturday 18th April, and invites all to come along and enjoy a glass of fizz to celebrate the milestone.

After being saved by the community in 2024, and reopening in 2025, the pub has gone through extensive renovation works to get two bars open, has installed community toilets, and reintegrated itself firmly into the small community of New Radnor and the Welsh borders.

Though the committee and public are impressed with the renovation progress so far, the pub is still in development phases, and renovation works will continue into the near and far future.

Volunteers has been crucial to keeping both bars open at the Radnor, a spokes person from the committee, said: "We can't thank our volunteers enough, they are the backbone to the pub staying open, without their hard work and commitment, we wouldn't be able to open".

They continued: "A heartfelt thank you to everyone, our shareholders, and the many people (often one and the same) who have helped, supported, served, cleaned, shared a conversation, or simply walked through the door in search of a drink. You are the true reason behind the pub’s success.”

The pub has recently faced volunteers shortages, and is planning a new campaign to recruit fresh volunteers as we enter into spring and the summer months, with an aim to encourage more people to volunteer.

Community engagement has been the ethos behind the committee, the driving force in creating a welcoming space for all to enjoy, whether they drink or not.

Over the last year, the pub has arranged and hosted new group meetings, health checks, warms spaces, holiday celebrations and birthday parties.

Sue Norton, Chair of the Radnor Arms Community Benefit Society, said: "On our first year of trading, we’re celebrating far more than reopening a pub, we’re celebrating the return of a much loved rural community space for everyone.

What’s been created here isn’t just sustained by volunteers and supporters, but by a shared spirit of care and welcome.

It’s been a year of laughter, connection and hard work, and it feels like just the beginning of what the Radnor Arms can become at the heart of this community and we cannot wait to see what another year brings"

To celebrate a whole year of trading, celebrations will take place during the pubs opening hours on the 17, 18 and 19 April this week. Come and claim your glass of fizz.

If you or someone you know may want to volunteers, please enquire via our contact us page at www.rahl-cbs.org.

For more information on events or to book the Radnor Arms for private parties, please visit www.theradnorarm.com and complete the contact form.