A former footballer and his wife are planning to restore a historic pub in the centre of a Gwent town to its former glories.
Darren Jones, who played for clubs including Newport County, Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers and Shrewsbury Town during a 17-year professional football career, and his wife Lucia have taken on the former White Lion pub in Bank Street, Chepstow, with their business partners Jevgenyij Inozemcev and Viktoria Gaspar.
The couple already own the Castle Inn pub in Caldicot, and Darren has previously been in charge of the Golden Lion in Magor.
They have renamed the pub, which dates back to at least 1644, the Lion Lounge, and have split the venue into three separate areas of business – a traditional bar, an entertainment and functions room called the Live Lounge, and a restaurant called All About Burgers.
Working with local promoters Honest Dog, the couple are intent on turning the Lion Lounge into the main night spot in Chepstow with plans to attract customers from as far as Newport and Bristol.
Darren said:
“The pub has been closed for a few years and had a bad reputation but before then it was rammed every weekend.
“That’s what we want to get back to and we think we can offer something for everyone here.”
He continued:
“As well as our weekday opening hours, there will be something on in terms of events and entertainment across every weekend.”
The Live Lounge is also available to hire for functions, corporate events, and training sessions. As well as the burger bar, bespoke food packages can be provided.
Paul Divers of Honest Dog Promotions, who is based in the town, is back on the local scene after 15 years on the road touring the UK and Europe with punk and reggae bands.
Paul said:
“Chepstow is really picking up as an entertainments scene thanks to what people like Darren and Lucia are doing and I’m really keen to help them out.
“I love this town and I really want to give something back to the area.”
Darren said:
“We know the market is out there to bring this place back to its glory days.”
Head chef Richard Jenkins is responsible for the tasty offerings from All About Burgers, while the football connection continues through the venue’s bar manager, Daniel Elliott, who will be well known to Newport County fans as a former Academy and first team coach.
