Bwlchgwyn Pub Reopens Tonight After Community Effort

The last pub in Wrexham’s “highest village in Wales” is opening its doors again tonight (Friday) just weeks after residents feared it would be lost forever.

The Kings Head is the last pub in Bwlchgwyn, and there were fears the pub could be closed permanently after the brewery owners applied to the council planning department for change of use and permission to build domestic housing on the car park. But, following local support and a real community effort, the doors will open again for business under new landlord Tommy Higgins.

Residents were alarmed when news first came of the planning applications, and meetings were held to try and save the pub. Tommy, who is originally from Scotland but has lived in Bwlchgwyn for a number of years, put himself forward to take over.

Now, thanks to a band of volunteers from the community, the pub has had a lick of paint, new flooring, hedges tidied and new lighting, and will be selling Real Cask Ale and offering free WiFi.

Tommy says this is just the start, “I’ve been a customer of The Kings Head for a number of years, so I knew how friendly and helpful the locals were, but I can’t thank them enough for their support in helping to get the pub ready for opening.

“We’ve got two pool teams signed up for the league, and although we have missed the registration date for the darts we will be arranging friendlies with other local pubs until we can join the league. I will also be opening for the teatime trade, which has not been on offer in The Kings’ for a few years.

“Obviously there is only so much you can achieve in a few days and I intend to continue improving the general appearance of the pub, and over the coming weeks I will be adding cask ale, a juke box, looking at regular entertainment and organising a weekly ‘curry & pint night’.

“The Kings Head is the last pub in Bwlchgwyn and is used as a hub of the community for Residents Association meetings, and as a place where the locals can all meet up and feel part of a community.”

Bwlchgwyn resident Rhian Marsh said “It’s been great to see villagers rallying around and I really hope that their support will continue. Our first fund raising event is already planned for November 3rd, and we are starting to arrange events for Christmas and beyond. I hope people continue to support Tommy and The Kings Head. I’ve lived in this village most of my life. I remember when there were five pubs, a shop, a fish and chip shop and an off license. To lose the last pub would be a disaster for the community, so we are over the moon that its doors will open once again.”

For any private bookings or enquiries, please contact Tommy on 01978 752066 !