The new owner of a picturesque country inn with 10 letting rooms near Llandrindod Wells plans to make it a popular destination venue.
Neil Sanders has purchased The Bell Country Inn at Llanyre with the aim of breathing new life into the former 17th century drovers’ resting place and watering hole, which officially opens for business on Saturday, April 25.
Having previously owned The Hampton Hotel in Llandrindod Wells and restaurants in the Victorian spa town, he is looking forward to re-establishing The Bell’s reputation for good food and as a venue for weddings, christenings, family parties and corporate events.
In addition to 10 letting rooms, the inn has a private function room, contemporary, 60-cover restaurant, a dog-friendly bar and an outdoor space.
“Historically, The Bell has always done well and I hope people will support us,” said Neil, who also owns the King’s Head in Bishops Castle. “This is a destination pub and venue that needs to be known for its quality, home cooked food using fresh, local ingredients.
“We already have one wedding booked in and we want to become a one-stop venue for family occasions, parties and corporate events.”
Neil will be working with a team of six, including his daughter, Heather, who is manager and head chef Martin Byrne.
A carpenter by trade, Neil has worked in the licensed trade since 2013 and is a retained firefighter based in Llandrindod Wells.
To help promote The Bell Country Inn, he has joined Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru), which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd.
“I was looking at opportunities to promote the business and Mid Wales Tourism stood out for the quality of its publications and the helpfulness of the staff,” added Neil. “These guys certainly know what they are doing!”
A 17th century drovers’ inn, The Bell Inn was rebuilt in 1888 by the Gibson-Watt family, extended significantly in the 1970s and refurbished in 2008.
