A derelict former public house has been transformed into a family-run artisan cafe with holiday apartments.
Previously known as the Old Railway Tavern, the building in Tonna has been empty for the last few years and had suffered flood damage.
It was acquired by the Booth family who have restored the building to its former glory, transforming it into a cafe with two self-contained holiday apartments on the first floor.
Located alongside Neath Canal, the new dog friendly café is called Booths by the Bridge. It will be managed by brother and sister duo Hannah and Aaran Booth, along with Aaran’s partner, Rachel Bevan.
It will serve a selection of cakes, bakes, pastries and a range of Coaltown Coffees. The café will be open Thursday to Monday, 8am to 4pm.
The capital renovation project included a complete strip out and reconfiguration, and the building has been renovated throughout including a number of flood protection measures. Sustainable materials and low energy fittings have been put in place throughout ensuring the energy efficiency of the new business.
Externally, the roof has been replaced, the car park has been resurfaced and the whole building has been given a new coat of paint.
The new business will create 11 new jobs and the family is looking to provide a cosy community hub for residents and visitors, encouraging more people to enjoy walks alongside the canal then meeting up for coffee and cake afterwards.
The capital renovation project has been part-funded by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Valleys and Villages Prosperity Fund (VVPF) through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The project also received additional grant funding for equipment and staff training from the UKSPF Business Start-up and Business Investment Grants.
VVPF and the Business Start-up and Business Investment Grants formed part of Neath Port Talbot Council’s package of grant schemes available during 2023 and 2024, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Owner Hannah Booth said:
“It’s been an incredibly busy year for us as a family but we are so pleased with how the project has turned out and we can’t wait now to welcome the local community and visitors finally through our doors.
“Our aim was to create a cosy space where everyone feels welcome to enjoy a cuppa with friends. We have big plans for the future and how the space will evolve, but for now, as this is brand new to us, we’ll be opening with quality pastries, cakes and coffee whilst we find our feet. We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received, in particular from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, without which, a transformation on this scale, would never have been possible.”
Cllr. Jeremy Hurley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth at Neath Port Talbot Council, added:
“How wonderful to see a new family business created and a prominent but formerly derelict building brought back into use, all in one project – this is a great use of UK Shared Prosperity Funding for the community in Tonna. I wish the family the very best of luck in its new venture and look forward to visiting.”
