The landlords of a popular Newtown town centre nightclub have said their goodbyes after almost 18 years behind the bar and at the doors.

It's the end of an era for brothers Gareth and Craig Burns after running The Castle Vaults in Broad Street since the early noughties and have prided themselves in building the business into "Newtown's best weekend late night entertainment venue".

"It's been quite emotional," said Gareth. "It's been a big part of our lives and weekends for the last 17 to 20 years. It's very emotional and I'm going to miss a lot of people.

"We've had some amazing support over the years. Everyone's been great. Obviously we've got through pandemics, through recessions and driven it into the nightclub it is and got a good reputation.

"We've seen generation after generation come through. We're now serving the kids of the people who probably got knocked up in here. Now that's an indication that we've been here for a long time."

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The Burns brothers are calling it a day to spend more time with family and other business projects but are leaving with "amazing" memories and friendships.

Gareth said: "I worked in a nightclub before I started here so literally since the age of 16. I've never, ever had a weekend bar the odd holiday here and there. So, a bit of time off and more time on my hands.". While Craig added: "It's family time for me really and I've got my little girl now and it would be nice to spend more time with her and enjoy going on holidays without the pressures of coming back."

Declan Whitticase, who is a familiar face to regulars as the doorman, has bought the business and taken over the reins from the Burns brothers.

"I recognised something in him," said Gareth. "He's only a young lad but he's switched on. He's a very humble guy and he's been learning the ropes from us for the last 12 months.

"He's a good lad, he'll move it on and put some young fresh blood into the premises and hopefully with some good ideas."

Gareth added: "Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the years. We've had amazing support over the years from other licensees, the BOBB scheme in town. Good luck to Declan taking it forward."