**Former Professional Footballer and Coaching Team Lead Chepstow Pub Revival**
A former professional footballer is teaming up with coaching talent and business partners in a determined effort to restore one of Chepstow’s oldest public houses to its former brilliance. Darren Jones, remembered for his time at several clubs such as Newport County, Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers, and Shrewsbury Town, has turned his focus from the football pitch to the field of hospitality following a 17-year career in the sport.
Jones and his wife, Lucia, who already co-own the Castle Inn in Caldicot, are bringing new life to the former White Lion on Bank Street, Chepstow. The couple have joined forces with colleagues Jevgenyij Inozemcev and Viktoria Gaspar to reimagine the historic venue, which dates back to the 17th century. Together, they hope to create a modern meeting place while honouring the pub’s legacy as a lively part of the local community.
Having stood since at least 1644, the premises have now been rebranded as the Lion Lounge. Under the new stewardship, the venue has been divided into three distinct areas designed to cater for a range of tastes and occasions. These include a traditional bar with pool tables and live sports on television, a function and entertainment space known as the Live Lounge, and a restaurant dedicated to what the owners describe as “All About Burgers”.
Speaking about the ambitious project, Darren Jones shared his vision for the rejuvenated Lion Lounge. “It’s been a few years since the pub saw its heyday. For a while, it sadly suffered from a poor reputation, but anybody who remembers its past will recall it being packed out most weekends,” Jones said. “We’re aiming to rediscover that atmosphere, offering something for everyone — whether they fancy a quiet weekday pint or a lively night out at the weekend.”
The Lion Lounge has recruited Daniel Elliott — a figure well-known among local sports fans as a former Newport County academy and first team coach — to head up operations as bar manager. This blend of sporting and hospitality expertise is mirrored in the rest of the team, with head chef Richard Jenkins overseeing the kitchen.
To mark its new beginning, the Live Lounge is planning a launch evening on Saturday 28 June, set to feature live music and performances. Looking to the future, Jones outlined hopes that the venue could play host to a wider variety of events. “We want to see this place being used for all sorts of functions, be that corporate get-togethers, training sessions, or even private parties,” he explained. “There’s definitely a demand locally and we’re confident that with the right approach, the Lion Lounge can once again become a real focal point for Chepstow.”
Observers within the local business and hospitality community have noted the scale of the undertaking, particularly in the context of recent challenges facing the UK’s hospitality sector. Numerous pubs across Wales and the wider UK have struggled, with many closing their doors permanently due to changing habits and economic pressures. Against this backdrop, the Lion Lounge revival project stands out as a bold statement of intent.
While the team behind the Lion Lounge possess a range of relevant skills, including business acumen and community engagement, they also bring the enthusiasm of people determined not only to revive a building, but to restore an institution. “So much of a town’s character is shaped by its gathering spaces. We want people to walk through our doors and feel a sense of pride and belonging,” commented Lucia Jones.
The project highlights a wider trend of community-minded entrepreneurs seeking to reinvent tired venues while respecting their heritage. The transformation of the Lion Lounge is being watched with interest, both by locals nostalgic for the pub’s bustling past, and by those curious to see how the marriage of sporting spirit and hospitality might bring new energy to Chepstow’s social scene.
As preparations continue for the official reopening, local residents — many of whom have fond memories of the old White Lion — will be keen to see whether Jones and his team can deliver on their vision. For Chepstow, the Lion Lounge offers not just a restored pub, but a symbol of regeneration and hope for high streets around Wales.