**Cardiff Landmark Gassy’s Quashes Closure Rumours Amid Temporary Changeover**
Concerns rippled through Cardiff’s vibrant student community this week following apparent signs suggesting the much-loved Gassy’s bar—an institution on Salisbury Road—was poised to close its doors for good. Social media channels and group chats began to buzz after a handwritten notice behind the bar was spotted, which stated: “Due to closing down, we have reduced draught stock.” This brief but pointed message sparked anxiety amongst the regulars and loyal patrons who have long treated Gassy’s as a second home.
For over thirty years, Gassy’s—originally called Gassy Jacks—has been more than just a pub to the city’s student population. Known for its themed nights, spirited drag karaoke sessions and budget-friendly drinks deals, it has played an essential role in the social calendars of both Cardiff University students and locals alike. The lively establishment has witnessed freshers’ week chaos, society socials, post-exam celebrations, and countless evenings that have given Cardiff’s Cathays district its unmistakable buzz.
One student reflected on the pub’s unique place in city life: “Gassy’s is where you’d unwind after hours buried in books, or stop off before a night at Misfits. It’s the only spot where you could grab a Moretti for three quid.” Others echoed the sentiment that the venue is stitched into the very fabric of Cardiff student experience, with comments such as, “without Gassy’s, Cardiff Uni life just wouldn’t be the same!”
As speculation about its future intensified, the air of uncertainty was finally cleared by Stonegate Pub Partners, the group that owns the venue. Speaking to local media, a spokesperson was eager to reassure concerned pub-goers. While confirming that Gassy’s would indeed close on 26th June, they stressed that this would be a temporary measure. The closure simply marks a brief transition between operators, not the end of an era.
The spokesperson explained, “Gassy’s will not be shutting permanently. Instead, it’s moving from our current management team to our Publican Partners division. After this transition, the venue will re-open under fresh management. We understand how important Gassy’s is to the Cardiff University community and we’re confident it will remain a central spot for future generations of students.”
Looking at the rich history of Gassy’s, it’s clear why so many were quick to fear the worst. The pub has been the backdrop to countless iconic moments. Notably, in October 1992, the establishment played host to an impromptu late-night concert by none other than Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones. He slipped into the bar after midnight, surprising stunned patrons, and launched into an unplanned hour-long set brimming with his greatest hits. According to promoter Alan Jones, “Tom lit up the pub that night; the place was buzzing. He sang twelve songs and thrilled a crowd that was mostly students—he later told me he hadn’t had that much fun performing in years.”
While the incident signaled the venue’s ability to unite various generations of music lovers, it’s the night-to-night camaraderie and inclusive atmosphere for which Gassy’s is most famed. Its Thursday drag karaoke nights have become iconic, fusing Cardiff’s diverse student cultures together in one jovial setting. Its friendly prices and open doors have carved its reputation as not just a pub, but a rite of passage for those studying in the city.
From the outside, the prospect of change can seem daunting—especially given the frequency with which hospitality venues have faced challenges in recent years. Yet local students and residents now have reason to be optimistic: Gassy’s isn’t disappearing but preparing for a new chapter. Many believe the transition could even inject vitality and fresh ideas into one of Cardiff’s cornerstone social hubs.
In an era when beloved local institutions sometimes vanish without warning, confirmation of Gassy’s impending return is sure to be a relief. As patrons raise their glasses for one last round under the current management, the mood is upbeat: expectation now turns to what the next phase will bring for this Cardiff institution. As always, Gassy’s remains a symbol of resilience, ready to serve the next generation of students who’ll call it home.