Owner of 200-year-old South Wales restaurant plans “eco-transformation”

The new owner of a popular restaurant and bunk house in a South Wales village has embarked on an “eco-transformation” of the venue.Andrew Owen has secured a six-figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales’ Wales Flexible Investment Fund to fund the purchase of The Butchers Arms in Pontsticill.He also received grant funding from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, as well as support from Business Wales.The 200-year-old restaurant, pub and bunkhouse accommodation is at the gateway of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)Now Owen is hoping to begin a revamp in which the pub was said to become the “UK’s first off-grid bar, restaurant and accommodation by 2025”.To date, work includes fully insulating the building and replacing the oil boiler with an eco-friendly electric system.Owen is also hoping to install solar panels and EV charging points, and purchase two electric minibuses to help shuttle guests to and from local attractions.Andrew Owen said: “This is a beautiful pub in a stunning location. When the previous owners decided to sell, I didn’t have to think twice about buying it, so I am very grateful to the Development Bank of Wales for their support.”The Butchers Arms is loved by locals, adventurers and nature lovers but had high carbon emissions. I could immediately see the opportunity to create something truly special by decarbonising the building and aiming to become the first off-grid pub in UK. I’m really hopeful that these initiatives will help to promote tourism in the local area so that the wider community also benefits.”John Babalola, assistant investment executive with the Development Bank of Wales, who structured the finance, said: “The Butchers Arms is at the heart of the Pontsticill community and is a key part of the tourism offering in this area.”The business is also a provider of employment which is one of the reasons why we were keen to support Andrew with the purchase of the business to help keep the jobs. He is now embarking on an exciting programme of eco-transformation that really will put Pontsticill on the tourism map of Wales.”