Plans to upgrade Gwynedd community pub saved by villagers to be considered

Work to upgrade an historic Gwynedd pub and community hub which was saved from closure by villagers is to be considered by planners.

Listed building consent is being sought for changes to the Ty’n Llan premises at Llandwrog.

The impressive Grade II-listed historic pub building, also known as The Harp Hotel, is believed to have been built in the 1830s as part of the Glynllifon estate.

A long time haunt of musicians and poets, the building features a slate panel with an inscription in Welsh and English, which promotes the inn’s hospitality but warns against drunkenness.

The pub previously closed in 2017, but in February 2021, more than 100 village residents came together to buy the building.

Menter Ty’n Llan, a community benefit society, was established with a management committee and more than £400,000 was raised in shares.

The pub attracted global support, including from Welsh film star and musician Rhys Ifans, who appealed to keep it alive.

Now Cyngor Gwynedd planners are being asked to grant listed building consent for plans which will see the creation of a new single storey extension at the rear of the property.

Work includes the demolition and re-building of the existing rear kitchen extension, the addition of a lift and four dormer windows and other internal alterations.

The application has been submitted by by Clementine MacRae, who said their aim was to rejuvenate the existing pub Ty’n Llan, and make it the heart of the community.

The plans state: “Run by Menter Ty’n Llan, the community wishes to expand the pub so that it is more suitable to everyone’s needs and has a financially sustainable model so that it is able to stay open long term without requiring regular outside funding.

“The proposal includes a new dining area, build within the existing ruins of the pigsty walls; the demolition of the modern kitchen wing, and its replacement with a single storey extension, to provide functional kitchen and staff areas.

“Re-ordering works internally, including to the rear of the pub where a new glazed door will be added to improve light levels and views, and a lift will be added to provide accessibility to the first floor for wheelchair users.

“The proposal also includes the removal of a couple of internal columns in order to achieve the desired floor plan arrangement.

“Due to the increase in covers, the new restaurant aims to bring in under their financial plan, a new modern kitchen with space for a larger
amount of covers with walk in freezer and stores is required.

“A staff room and changing area, with staff ‘loo’ is also required, as well as a plant room, and this can all be housed within the new kitchen wing area.”

The plans would also see one full-time staff member and five part-time employees taken on.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter