A beloved village pub with a quirky twist – home to three alpacas – has been given a new lease of life thanks to the determination of its local community. The Three Horseshoes Inn, located on the outskirts of Cardiff in Peterston-Super-Ely, was recently threatened with closure after its owners found themselves unable to purchase the premises when the brewery decided to sell up. This left regulars worrying about the fate of both their much-loved watering hole and the unusual livestock that had become something of local celebrities.
For Monika Zakrzewska and Nathan Bartnicki, who took on management of the pub in January 2023, the possibility of closure was devastating. They had quickly become integral members of the community, running the pub with warmth and imagination. According to Monika, who spoke candidly about her experiences, the notion that the pub might change hands – or worse, close down entirely – was “an impossible situation”. She explained, “We simply couldn’t afford to buy the building ourselves when the brewery put it up for sale after our first year.”
However, the spirit of Peterston-Super-Ely soon became apparent. In a heartening turn of events, villagers rallied round, with supporters both near and far chipping in to keep their pub alive. A GoFundMe campaign was launched, rapidly attracting contributions that amounted to over £50,000. Monika confessed that she was “amazed” by the response, saying, “The whole village came together and it was just incredible. I honestly still can’t believe it happened.”
What followed was a trial of both patience and persistence, as securing the purchase became a drawn-out process. “It took more than a year to finalise everything, mainly because we only had a year’s worth of trading accounts to show,” Monika recalled. Yet the hard work and collective determination paid off. Monika and Nathan are now the proud owners of The Three Horseshoes Inn, assisted by their supportive neighbours, who saw the pub not just as a business but as a vital local hub.
The Three Horseshoes has always played a central role in village life, hosting summer festivals, fundraisers, live music, and community events. Monika describes the pub as a “community hub”, a description echoed by many locals. Its calendar is packed with entertainment, ensuring there’s always something to draw folks through the doors.
Part of The Three Horseshoes’ unique appeal stems from its resident alpacas, a source of fascination and joy for both adults and children alike. Inspired by cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, Monika decided the field adjacent to the pub could have a new purpose. “A year ago, we brought in the alpacas – Louis, Vee, and Tom, named after the Louis Vuitton brand – and they’ve become quite a feature,” she enthused. The pub now plans to offer afternoon teas and meet-and-greet sessions this summer, where visitors can spend time with the furry trio.
Future ambitions extend to holiday accommodation, with hopes of building a shepherd’s hut facing the alpaca enclosure. For now, though, Monika admits that new projects will have to wait while resources are focussed on settling in as the pub’s new owners. “We’ve poured everything we have into securing the pub,” she said, “so the shepherd’s hut might be a little way off yet.”
Having control over their future as a free house, Monika and Nathan can now stock their own selection of beers and spirits, allowing for more flexibility in what they can offer guests. It’s a glittering testament to both their creativity and the village’s commitment.
The complex takeover process was overseen by Alex Kurtz-Shefford, a solicitor from Peter Lynn and Partners, who commended the community’s efforts. He noted that “transactions like this are rare”, citing the complexities of crowdfunding and the stringent checks required.
For Peterston-Super-Ely, the saving of The Three Horseshoes Inn stands as a heartwarming example of what can be achieved when a local community unites to protect its shared heritage, blending tradition with quirky fun in truly Welsh fashion.