Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Five years after last orders were called, a group of 100 or so people in and around Draethen are looking to buy the Hollybush, and reopen it as a community-owned pub.

Since it was put on the market by Star Pubs – an arm of Heineken – towards the end of last year, the Hollybush has received lots of interest at an asking price of £295,000.

However, due to an estimated cost of between £1m and £2m to buy and renovate the pub, any would-be buyers have fallen away.

Determined to stop the pub being sold-off altogether and flattened, Rich Belbin and a group of residents from Draethen have come together in hopes of saving it.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mr Belbin said: “We had an initial public meeting when the pub first went up for sale in the autumn of last year, and had offers from around 50 people in the area, and even a couple from overseas.

“The idea of a community pub was parked when it was clear experienced buyers were interested, but since those offers have dried-up, the time has come for us to save the Hollybush.”

Mr Belbin said how the costs involved would be lower due to all the volunteers willing to do their bit and help renovate the pub, but admitted it needs “a lot of work”.

He continued: “It’s a fairly unique position, but we have been trying to follow the model of other pubs who’ve done something similar.

“The biggest hurdle we have at the moment is that the buyer won’t negotiate with us as we don’t have proof of the money.

“Our next mission is to get the asking price into one bank account so we can sit down with the buyer and try and purchase the pub.

“It’s a bit of a race against time because we’re conscious the building could be sold and turned into whatever someone fancies.”

The project has received political support too, as Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member, Hefin David, wrote a letter encouraging Star Pubs to work with those involved to save a “community asset”.

Mr Belbin added how he and the group aim to get a bid in by the end of May, with the ultimate goal of having the pub open in some capacity by Christmas this year.

“It’s a wonderful pub in a great location. It’s part of the reason why a lot of the residents chose to move here. We’re determined to see it open again.”

The group will next be meeting at Rudry Parish Hall at 8pm on Wednesday April 30 and are asking for anyone interested to show up and get involved.

For more details, you can email the group at thehollybushdraethen@gmail.com or visit their website.