So, pub ‘n’ grub chain J D Wetherspoon admits it still has an interest in Rhuthun/Ruthin, and Dinbych/Denbigh for that matter (according to the Free Press). Good news? Bad news? I suppose it depends where it goes and what it replaces.
Wetherspoon’s was once about to purchase the Castle Hotel from Stephanie Booth (for £2mil, four times the price it’s been on sale more recently). As the Castle Hotel fell through, Wetherspoon’s blamed the recession. No doubt, property prices then had something to do with its decision. And the amount of work needed at the Castle.
If JDW is indeed renewing its interest in Rhuthun, it doesn’t have a site and it may take up to five years to develop one, in any case, because Wetherspoon’s may have other priorities. If it comes, though, where might it go? Here are some suggestions:
Star Inn—closed before last Christmas, open briefly over Christmas 2008 and closed ever since. The pub’s available but the likelihood is, it’s far too small.
Castle Hotel—no doubt Wetherspoon’s still has half an eye here. After Wetherspoon’s, Stephanie Booth did place it back on the market. Many would gladly swap Wetherspoon’s for Stephanie if it actually meant someone would invest in the fabric of the building. It’s large enough, the largest in Rhuthun, except for…
Castell Rhuthun/Ruthin Castle—large and been on the market recently but we’d suggest it does not fit with Wetherspoon’s image, philosophy or brand. Comes with considerable maintenance & upkeep liabilities, including the walls.
Anchor—another of Stephanie’s and it’s been on the market, too. We’d suggest this was too small for Wetherspoon’s.
Clwyd Gate—once owned by (guess who?) Stephanie Booth, currently closed and perhaps now past its best, the Clwyd Gate is large, different and JDW might inject some much needed life back into it. The big problem is it's outside a town centre location. A definite NO, then.
The Manor House (Manorhaus)—maybe just slightly on the small side, there's possible room for expansion next door to nos. 14 & 16 Well Street. Can't see the Manor House owners selling or Wetherspoon buying.
Picture House—the owners have steadfastly tried to squash rumours that the Picture House is on the market. It would make a remarkable Wetherspoon’s outlet, fitting nicely with the JDW image.
Wynnstay Arms—again, has been on the market. Quite big for Rhuthun but smaller than the Castle Hotel and may not be big enough for Wetherspoon’s.
Natclwyd y Dre—interesting thought but won't happen. Not really open that much these days, and a remarkable building and potential draw. Even though there are probably sound financial reasons why the council should sell (a handy capital sum), they would surely never let J D Wetherspoon anywhere near this prized antiquity.
Other existing pubs—all probably too small.
Other sites—Wetherspoon’s tries to find sites that offer some sort of character. None are available at the moment in Rhuthun (of the right size). Would be interesting if Wetherspoon’s decided to build new on the former Slater’s eyesore. Such a move is probably in opposition to Wetherspoon’s brand attitudes; and it might prove too controversial within the town, as it would create another pub rather than replace an existing one.
Wetherspoon’s was once about to purchase the Castle Hotel from Stephanie Booth (for £2mil, four times the price it’s been on sale more recently). As the Castle Hotel fell through, Wetherspoon’s blamed the recession. No doubt, property prices then had something to do with its decision. And the amount of work needed at the Castle.
If JDW is indeed renewing its interest in Rhuthun, it doesn’t have a site and it may take up to five years to develop one, in any case, because Wetherspoon’s may have other priorities. If it comes, though, where might it go? Here are some suggestions:
Star Inn—closed before last Christmas, open briefly over Christmas 2008 and closed ever since. The pub’s available but the likelihood is, it’s far too small.
Castle Hotel—no doubt Wetherspoon’s still has half an eye here. After Wetherspoon’s, Stephanie Booth did place it back on the market. Many would gladly swap Wetherspoon’s for Stephanie if it actually meant someone would invest in the fabric of the building. It’s large enough, the largest in Rhuthun, except for…
Castell Rhuthun/Ruthin Castle—large and been on the market recently but we’d suggest it does not fit with Wetherspoon’s image, philosophy or brand. Comes with considerable maintenance & upkeep liabilities, including the walls.
Anchor—another of Stephanie’s and it’s been on the market, too. We’d suggest this was too small for Wetherspoon’s.
Clwyd Gate—once owned by (guess who?) Stephanie Booth, currently closed and perhaps now past its best, the Clwyd Gate is large, different and JDW might inject some much needed life back into it. The big problem is it's outside a town centre location. A definite NO, then.
The Manor House (Manorhaus)—maybe just slightly on the small side, there's possible room for expansion next door to nos. 14 & 16 Well Street. Can't see the Manor House owners selling or Wetherspoon buying.
Picture House—the owners have steadfastly tried to squash rumours that the Picture House is on the market. It would make a remarkable Wetherspoon’s outlet, fitting nicely with the JDW image.
Wynnstay Arms—again, has been on the market. Quite big for Rhuthun but smaller than the Castle Hotel and may not be big enough for Wetherspoon’s.
Natclwyd y Dre—interesting thought but won't happen. Not really open that much these days, and a remarkable building and potential draw. Even though there are probably sound financial reasons why the council should sell (a handy capital sum), they would surely never let J D Wetherspoon anywhere near this prized antiquity.
Other existing pubs—all probably too small.
Other sites—Wetherspoon’s tries to find sites that offer some sort of character. None are available at the moment in Rhuthun (of the right size). Would be interesting if Wetherspoon’s decided to build new on the former Slater’s eyesore. Such a move is probably in opposition to Wetherspoon’s brand attitudes; and it might prove too controversial within the town, as it would create another pub rather than replace an existing one.