Imagine a place where memories are etched into the very fabric of its existence, a place like the Maenllwyd pub. For Steve Kind, this pub holds a special significance, as it was the very site of his stag do over three decades ago. But here's where it gets intriguing: Steve, a builder by trade, decided to purchase and restore this historic pub, despite the potential for constant reminders of that wild night.
Maenllwyd, a Grade II listed building, boasts a rich history as a 17th-century coaching inn. When it went up for sale in Meidrim, Carmarthenshire, Steve and his wife Jo saw an opportunity to breathe new life into this piece of history. With Steve's experience working on historic properties for The Landmark Trust and The National Trust, they embarked on a journey to restore Maenllwyd to its former glory.
"It had been abandoned as a pub for years, so a lot of work was needed to bring it back to its rightful state," Steve explained. While most grooms might prefer to forget their stag do, Steve's connection to the building ran deep. His family had a long-standing association with Maenllwyd, with his stepfather recalling pumping water from a well there as a child.
"It felt like destiny when it went up for sale," Steve shared. "I wanted to give this special place a new lease of life."
The pub, a relic of a bygone era, had once been a farm where Steve worked during his youth. In 1990, it hosted his stag do, and later that decade, the landlord closed its doors. Steve reminisced about the unique bar setup, where Len Lewis, the second-generation publican, served beer from a tiny drop-down bar using a brass tap to open barrels.
Steve and Jo's restoration journey took three years, transforming Maenllwyd into a rental property. Among their discoveries were old paperwork detailing customers' drinks, recorded with their names on a tick list. "It's a treasure trove for anyone curious about their ancestors' drinking habits!" Steve exclaimed.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the charm of rural pubs like Maenllwyd, Steve believes keeping them afloat is a challenging task. "Looking at the figures, it's a tough road ahead," he added.
So, what do you think? Is Steve's decision to restore Maenllwyd a labor of love or a risky venture? Share your thoughts in the comments!
