A run down Rhondda Cynon Taf pub is to receive a £500,000 refurbishment to transform its fortunes.
The Windsor in Pontyclun - which has undergone numerous closures and management changes over the last five years - has lost out in recent times to craft ale new comers such as the nearby Pipeworks Bar.
Dubbed 'scruffy and dingy' and 'in need of TLC' in reviews on social media, the pub's half-million revamp begins next week and aims to turn it into a more family-friendly venue that'll once again pull in the punters.
The venue, situated on the busy Llantrisant Road, will then reopen in mid-March, creating eight new staff jobs.
Work is set to include a full repaint, a new entrance, signage and lighting and wheelchair access. Bi-folding doors will open from the pub onto a café style area with greenery at the front.
The toilets will also be moved to the first floor, doubling the capacity of the venue.
In addition, there will be a spacious bar as well as a new kitchen and dining area to enable food to be served for the first time.
The menu will focus on traditional favourites such as pies, burgers and curries, and there will be a separate children’s menu with special kid-sized cutlery and crockery.
There'll also be special events like music and quiz nights, while sports fans will be well catered for with Sky and BT Sports showing on high-definition screens.
The transformation is being made by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and new licensee Tracey Lewis, who has run pubs in and around Rhondda Cynon Taf for more than 15 years.
"I used to go to the Windsor years ago, it's been sad to see it lose its way," she says.
"I've got family and friends living in Pontyclun, and they’re crying out for a good local that also welcomes children.
"It's a lovely village and The Windsor has loads of potential. So I jumped at the chance to take it on when I saw the plans. They’re really exciting.
"The pub will be unrecognisable inside and out when it reopens."
