A historic pub in the Rhondda Valleys, known for its ties to Hollywood megastars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, is undergoing a transformation. The Pencelli Hotel in Treorchy is being revived as a new bar, restaurant, and hotel after being closed intermittently during the pandemic and permanently shutting its doors in 2022. The building, which was in poor condition, was purchased by SGM Property and Hospitality Ltd earlier this year. The local owners, who successfully refurbished The Town Crier in Tenby, decided to keep The Pencelli in the community after discussions with RCT Council, receiving grant funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
The refurbishment of The Pencelli is already well underway, with a planned opening at the end of April or beginning of May 2025. The entire building has been renovated from scratch, with the upper floors being transformed into 11 guest rooms to address the shortage of accommodation in the Rhondda. The ground floor is being reconfigured to house the new restaurant and bar area while retaining elements of the pub’s traditional charm that locals loved.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, expressed his satisfaction with supporting this project to revitalize the iconic Pencelli Hotel building. The development aims to enhance the town’s hospitality offerings, bring a vacant building back into use, and provide much-needed visitor accommodation in the valleys. The hotel’s convenient location near the town centre, train station, and Park and Dare Theatre is expected to attract both locals and visitors, contributing to the area’s economic and social vibrancy.
The new owners of The Pencelli are excited about preserving the pub’s heritage while creating a modern space for the community to enjoy. The project represents a significant investment in the local area, breathing new life into a historic establishment with a rich history. As the renovation progresses in the coming weeks and months, the anticipation grows for the grand opening of The Pencelli as a vibrant hub for food, drinks, and accommodation in Treorchy.
With its promising future ahead, The Pencelli Hotel is poised to once again become a beloved venue for locals and visitors alike, honouring its past while embracing a new chapter of hospitality and community engagement in the heart of the Rhondda Valleys.