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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Christie Bannon

The long gone Swansea pubs and what they are now

When it comes to heading out for a pint in Swansea we're often spoilt for choice.

From traditional old-fashioned boozers to fancy up and coming independent venues, there's something for everyone right across the city.

But in years gone by we have lost plenty of pubs that were once at the heart of their communities and would often be filled with regulars night after night. Some pubs have been converted into student accommodation, while others have become shops or just been taken over by another business.

We've put together a list of some of the pubs across the city that are long gone and what they are now.

The Cricketers

The boarded up Cricketers pub before work began to gut the building (john myers)
The Cricketers has been transformed into student accommodation (copyright unknown)

One of the city's landmark pubs, The Cricketers was once a firm favourite among rugby and cricket fans with the St Helen's ground directly opposite.

Since it closed its doors the site remained derelict for a number of years before plans were put forward to redevelop the site, which is just a stone's throw from the seafront, into student accommodation.

Work to transform the former pub got under way last year and it is now home to 15 flats and studios, which accommodate 45 students.

The Linden Tree

The former Linden Tree pub in West Cross (www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk)
The former pub is now a Co-op (Jonathan Myers)

After more than 50 years, the popular pub in West Cross closed its doors back in 2018.

A campaign to try and save The Linden Tree was launched as regulars and the local community were shocked to hear the sudden news that it would be shutting for good within a fortnight of the announcement.

Almost a year later, the building was brought back into use as it reopened as a Co-op store, which has since proved to be very busy.

Robin Hood

The old Robin Hood pub (RJ Property Group)
The former Robin Hood was converted into a luxury 11 bed boutique (RJ Property Group)

Plans to convert the well-known Sandfields pub into private accommodation were met with numerous objections back in 2018.

Despite the opposition, the once popular watering hole for nearby match days at The Vetch was transformed into student digs made up of 11 boutique rooms which all include 32-inch smart TVs with Netflix and YouTube.

Gone are the bar stools and beer pumps, instead the communal area comprises an open plan kitchen/living area with a large breakfast bar and the living room has a 50-inch smart TV.

Cape Horner

The Cape Horner in 1986 (South Wales Evening Post)
The former pub has become an eyesore along Fabian Way (South Wales Evening Post)

Once at the heart of the St Thomas community, the Cape Horner used to be one of the city's most popular venues for weddings, birthday parties and other events in its large function room upstairs.

Since its closure it has become an eyesore for those heading in and out of Swansea along Fabian Way, having stood empty for around a decade.

Plans to develop the building into student accommodation were turned down leaving a question mark over its future but Hawkfire Developments, the company that owns the building, recently said that planning permission has now been granted for 72 student flats.

The Tenby

The Tenby had an earthy reputation (Google)
The building is now home to The Pizza Boyz (Google Maps)

Just a short walk from the city centre, The Tenby was an eyecatching pub along Walter Road with punters often sitting outside in the beer garden.

It closed around a decade ago and has since become home to The Pizza Boyz, with Student Digz based in the adjoining unit.

Bar Reef

Bar Reef (Andrew Davies)
The Co-op on Walter Road (Google Maps)

Next door, Bar Reef used to be a regular hangout for those living nearby, as well as the student population of Uplands and Mount Pleasant.

Since its closure, Swansea Council approved plans to turn it into flats but it has since reopened as a Co-op store.

The Adelphi

The Adelphi, Wind Street, Swansea. (Gayle Marsh)

Arguably one of Wind Street's most memorable haunts back in the day, The Adelphi was hugely popular for its live music and karaoke.

It was turned into an American-style bar called The Bucket List several years ago, with live music and finger-style food and a staggering 120 beers on offer.

After it closed in 2019, it has since been occupied by Brewdog.

Poet's Corner

The Poet's Corner (Google)

In a prime location on Oystermouth Road, the former Brains pub had a picturesque beer garden just a stone's throw away from the beach.

However, it is another former pub that has made way for student accommodation, having been turned into an eight-bedroom property with its own private entrance.

Nags Head

The Nag's Head in Mumbles (Google Maps)
Dark Horse in Mumbles (Adrian White Photography)

The popular Mumbles pub, on Mumbles Road, was renamed The Oystercatcher in the 1970s before reverting back to The Nag's Head in the nineties.

It was given a new lease of life when it was converted into a Costa Coffee but it was announced last year that it would be closing after a decade at the site.

Later last year, it was turned into an independent bar and kitchen called Dark Horse.

Swansea Jack

The Swansea Jack pub is long gone (Google)
Construction work took place at the pub in 2019 (Jonathan Myers)

Unsurprisingly popular among football fans heading to The Vetch, the Swansea Jack was an iconic landmark to those passing on the busy Oystermouth Road.

The building underwent some construction work back in 2019 after it closed to make way for a residential development.

The Mex

The Mex was popular on match days at the Liberty Stadium (South Wales Evening Post)
It is now living accommodation (Google Maps)

Once the Swans made the move to the Liberty, fans also made the move to new watering holes surrounding the stadium, including The Mex.

Situated on the busy Neath Road, the pub had a large outdoor area which was always packed on match days.

Since its closure a few years ago it has been developed into living accommodation.

Mozarts

The former Mozart's nightclub, Walter Road (Richard Youle)

One of the city's more unique venues for a night out, Mozarts was based in a semi-detached house on Walter Road for many years.

It announced it would be closing its doors for the final time in 2018 and it has since been confirmed that the building will be converted into flats.

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