**Cardiff’s Cricketers Pub Set for Major Revival After New Ownership and £250,000 Investment**
A much-loved Pontcanna pub in Cardiff is poised for a vibrant comeback after its abrupt closure last month. The Cricketers, a staple on Cathedral Road and a popular gathering place for residents and visitors for over a decade, is set for a fresh chapter under the stewardship of local independent company Croeso Pubs.
The company, which continues to expand its presence across Cardiff and nearby communities, announced on Monday that it has secured the leasehold of the venue. The deal not only safeguards the iconic pub’s legacy but will also inject renewed energy into the neighbourhood with a £250,000 investment earmarked for upgrading the premises.
The closure of The Cricketers after 15 years trading sparked disappointment among regulars and local businesses alike, reflecting its status as a much-cherished establishment in Cardiff’s west. The return of the pub under new management will come as welcome news, especially as Croeso Pubs confirms that all 12 existing staff roles will be retained.
Croeso Pubs, known for revitalising several of Cardiff’s well-known venues, now operates nine sites across the region. The company’s track record includes high-profile projects such as the transformation of The Philharmonic on St Mary Street, which underwent a £1 million refurbishment in 2017, and the reopening of the former Goat Major pub, now back to its original Blue Bell name, opposite Cardiff Castle.
The Cricketers will reopen its doors in just a few weeks, following a comprehensive interior and exterior refurbishment designed to preserve its Edwardian charm while offering updated facilities for a modern clientele. Area director Michael Haygarth expressed the team’s excitement, noting, “Acquiring The Cricketers is a proud moment for us. The pub is synonymous with west Cardiff, attracting tourists, dog walkers, sports fans heading to Sophia Gardens, and of course our local community. We aim to offer something for everyone in a truly welcoming atmosphere.”
The investment is not only a shot in the arm for the local hospitality scene but also promises to generate new job opportunities. While Croeso Pubs is recruiting for additional team members, their commitment to keep all current staff underscores an ongoing support for those affected by the pub’s brief closure.
Food and drink will remain a focal point of The Cricketers’ new era, with executive chef Jamie Newman hinting at a refreshed menu. “The Cricketers has built its reputation on generous portions and a warm atmosphere. Our goal is to celebrate Welsh produce and talent,” he explained. The company is collaborating with notable suppliers such as Rib and Oyster from Kilgetty and Cardiff’s own Sullivan’s greengrocers, aiming to deliver menus that reflect both local heritage and modern tastes.
Croeso Pubs has demonstrated a consistent approach to championing Welsh hospitality, often revitalising struggling but beloved local venues and returning them to their former glory. The company’s recent ventures include the transformation of 33 Windsor Place, reopened as The Daffodil in 2022, the Bear’s Head in Penarth, and The Discovery in Lakeside.
The relaunch of The Cricketers is expected to bring a fresh boost to the area while honouring a Cardiff landmark’s distinctive legacy. The precise reopening date is yet to be confirmed, but anticipation is already building among the community and pub enthusiasts.
In an ever-changing city hospitality landscape, the survival and renewal of classic pubs such as The Cricketers serve as a reminder of the vital role these venues play in fostering local connections, culture and commerce. As Cardiff continues to evolve, this latest revival is likely to reinforce the importance of preserving such cultural cornerstones for future generations.