One of Cardiff’s most famous pubs, The Royal Oak in Adamsdown, has reopened after a six-figure investment by SA Brain and Co.
The pub has been closed for two months while a substantial renovation has taken place, and has now reopened under a new five-year Advantage Agreement between Brains and tenants Neil and Linda Carbis.
Gareth Johns, Head of Tenanted Division at Brains, commented: “We are delighted to have partnered with Neil and Linda Carbis at the Royal Oak, it is a landmark Cardiff pub steeped in history.
“The main bar area gives a nod to the past with the boxing memorabilia and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of Roath residents and existing customers to the revamped pub.”
The Royal Oak dates back to the 19th century and in the early part of the 20th century was run by the cousin of legendary Welsh boxer “Peerless” Jim Driscoll.
When Driscoll died he bequeathed his Lonsdale belt to the pub and it developed a boxing theme, with many items of memorabilia still on the walls today.
It also boasted a fully-licensed boxing gym in the room above the pub that was used by boxers including former WBO world featherweight champion Steve Robinson.
In 2010 The Royal Oak was the only Cardiff pub to make it onto the list of the Top 100 Famous UK pubs, compiled by whisky maker Famous Grouse.