An historic Valleys pub known for many wild nights out over the years is set to be given a new lease of life after lying derelict for more than a decade and a half. Once the social hub of Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Grade II-listed Black Lion attracted drinkers from all over South Wales during its heyday.
But the popular venue - which dates back to the early 1800s - quickly fell into disrepair after it finally closed its doors in the mid-Noughties. It became a local eyesore with peeling paint, crumbling masonry and boarded-up windows - until, in 2018, an application was approved to turn the upper floors into "affordable accommodation," with 11 flats being created.
However, despite also being greenlit at the time, nothing came of the plan to transform its ground floor into a commercial unit, likely a restaurant or cafe. That is, until now.
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It was recently revealed that the bottom half of The Black Lion, which also previously operated as a hotel, is to be turned into an Italian eatery. Reportedly called Amore, it's believed that the people behind the venture also own similar restaurants in Pontypridd and Port Talbot.
According to RCT council records, the new owners have also applied for an alcohol licence and intend to sell beer and wine on the premises between the hours of 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and from 11am until 11.30pm on Saturdays, with the cut off point on Sundays being 10pm. They also intend to play recorded music between the same hours throughout the week.
Currently being renovated, Amore is set to open either later this year or in early 2023. And the news has generated a lot of excitement online, with hundreds of people keen to welcome the latest addition to the town.
Although that's not to say it hasn't also had its share of naysayers. Some posting on social media were quick to question the sense in opening such a venture when already established restaurants, bars and pubs were facing an uncertain future in the face of rapidly rising costs.
Others questioned the a lack of available parking in the town centre for those wishing to visit the restaurant. Nevertheless, that very same argument was also heard - and overruled - back in 2018 when several letters of objection were submitted prior to the transforming of The Black Lion's upper floors into flats.
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