A BELOVED Powys pub has roared into life, with the Black Lion reopening in Rhayader last weekend.
With the exception of a brief attempt in 2015 when the North Street pub reopened for a few weeks, the Black Lion had been closed for the last 10 years.
Beer and spirits are now flowing once again though, as the doors opened last Friday, December 1.
The pub had been operating as an Indian takeaway and restaurant for the last few years, known as the Spice Hut, and the Black Lion owners revealed the Spice Hut will remain on the premises and Indian cuisine will still be available at the pub.
“The Spice Hut is still there, but the rest of the premises has been turned back into a bar and pub,” said Mark Riggs, who is marketing and IT manager for the Black Lion.
The Black Lion is being revamped by people involved in two other local pubs and bars, who have reopened the pub as a partnership, with the intention to run it as more of a social bar than an ordinary pub.
Sky Sports and pool are available, dogs and families are always welcome, with free Wi-Fi on site.
Wyn Marsh and Tracey Thornley, who have transformed fellow Rhayader pub the Eagles Inn, since taking over last October, and John Costello, who owns and runs Landrindod Wells’ Temple Bar, are the men behind the Black Lion’s resurgence.
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“The Black Lion was a very prominent pub many years ago in Rhayader, it used to be the place to be many years ago,” said Mr Riggs.
“It is a part of the history of this town and we feel we are bringing something back to life. It’s nice to go back to the original name too.
“Wyn and Tracey run the Eagles Inn, also in Rhayader, which he opened just over a year ago. They have built it up from nothing.
"Together, they have made changes to both the business and the building, transforming it into a modern, yet traditional town public house.
“John Costello is the other gentleman involved, who owns and runs Temple Bar. They all wanted to offer something different and bring something back to the local community.”
He added: “There will be live entertainment, we’ll be showing sports, the aim is to bring a different flavour to the pub.
“It’s early days, but we have great expectations.”
For all the latest goings on at the pub, check out the Black Lion Rhayader Facebook page, or call 01597 811459.
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