The Bush Inn: Piecing Together the History of One of Llantwit Fardre's Oldest Pubs
Few buildings in Llantwit Fardre hold as many memories as the Bush Inn. For generations it has been a place where neighbours met, friendships were formed, celebrations were held and stories were shared. Yet despite being one of the village's most recognisable landmarks, some parts of its history had become surprisingly difficult to trace.
Recently, I began researching the history of the Bush Inn, hoping to uncover the people who owned and ran the pub through the years. What followed was a fantastic example of local knowledge, community spirit and the importance of preserving our village history.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed information, photographs, family stories, memories and historical records. Without the help of local residents, former customers, relatives of past landlords and members of the wider Llantwit Fardre community, much of this history may have remained forgotten.
The Early Years
The earliest reference currently uncovered dates back to 1846, when William Fletcher is believed to have been associated with the Bush Inn. Over the following decades, names appearing in historical records include William Jones, John Jones, Thomas Jenkins, John Phillips, William Griffiths and William Seaton.
By the late Victorian period, the Bush Inn had become firmly linked with the Smith family. In 1881, Giles Smith and his wife Ann Smith were running the pub. Their family would go on to shape the Bush Inn's history for more than eighty years.
Three Generations Behind the Bar
When Giles and Ann's time at the Bush came to an end, the pub passed to their daughter Sarah Ann Brown and her husband Edwin Brown. Following Sarah Ann's death in 1935, their son Ivor Brown took over the business with his wife Pamella Jane Brown, known to many as "Mella".
The Bush Inn had therefore passed through three generations of the same family: Giles and Ann Smith, Sarah Ann and Edwin Brown, and Ivor and Mella Brown. For around eighty-five years, the Bush remained a true family-run village pub.
Stories shared by descendants paint a picture of very different times. During Mella's years behind the bar there were strict house rules: religion and politics were not discussed, and customers were expected to behave themselves. The Bush wasn't simply a business; it was their home.
Another family story recalls Ivor Brown boasting that anyone could build a house if they really wanted to. After hearing enough of his tall tales, Mella challenged him. Before long, plans for a bungalow had been drawn up in the pub grounds and, after accepting a wager from several local regulars, Ivor set about building it himself. Two years later, the bungalow was complete.
The End of an Era
In 1966, Ivor Brown sold the Bush Inn to Hancocks Brewery, bringing an end to nearly a century of ownership by the Smith and Brown families.
The years immediately following the sale proved to be some of the hardest to trace, but thanks to information supplied by local residents, a picture has gradually emerged. One of the first tenants after the sale is remembered as Councillor Leeworthy. Mr and Mrs Jones are also remembered from the late 1960s, followed by the much-talked-about Pat Thomas, affectionately known locally as "Pat Pickles".
Pat's nickname reportedly came from her involvement in a pickling business, and many locals fondly remember both her and her partner Doug. Residents describe a very different layout of the Bush during those days, with smaller rooms, a separate darts area and a very different feel to the pub many know today.
Familiar Faces of the 1970s and 1980s
Trevor and Glenys Jenkins are believed to have run the pub during the 1970s. Many people's memories, however, centre on Eric and Tina Hoare.
Numerous former regulars, customers and staff recall Eric and Tina running the Bush from the late 1970s until the early 1990s. Their son Mark has since helped confirm that they were there until around 1993. Several people have shared fond memories from those years, whether working behind the bar, playing darts, attending functions or simply enjoying a pint with friends.
The Mabley Years
Following the Hoare family, Andrew and Janice Mabley took over the Bush Inn. Their daughter has confirmed that they ran the pub from 1993 until 1996, helping to fill in the timeline.
Into the Modern Era
Several residents recall Richard Herold being involved with the Bush Inn during the late 1990s and into the early 2000s. Public property records show that the property was sold in March 2002, marking the beginning of another chapter in the pub's long history.
Shortly afterwards, Gerald and Gwenda Evans took over stewardship of the Bush Inn and have remained at its heart ever since. Over the past two decades, Gerald and Gwenda, supported by Grant Rice, who has managed the pub for many years, have done a remarkable job of ensuring the Bush remains what it has always been: a true community pub.
At a time when pubs across Britain are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Bush Inn has bucked the trend. It has continued to thrive as a place where people come together to celebrate, socialise, support local charities, enjoy live entertainment, watch sport and catch up with friends old and new.
For many residents, the Bush is far more than just a pub. It remains one of the few places in the village where different generations regularly come together, helping to maintain the strong sense of community that Llantwit Fardre is known for.
This commitment has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of its importance to the local community, the Bush Inn was awarded the Best Pub Award, voted for by the constituents of Pontypridd. The award reflects the quality of the pub and the hard work, dedication and welcoming atmosphere created by everyone involved.
Whether it's a charity fundraiser, live music, a quiz night, community events, sport on the screens or simply a catch-up over a pint, there always seems to be something happening at the Bush. In many ways, it continues to fulfil exactly the same role it has fulfilled for generations.
A Story Still Being Written
Although we've managed to uncover much of the Bush Inn's history, there are still a few gaps remaining, particularly surrounding some of the landlords and tenants between the late 1960s and the early 1980s.
Like so much local history, the remaining answers are likely to be found not in official records, but in family photo albums, newspaper clippings and the memories of local people.
If you have photographs, documents or stories connected with the Bush Inn, I'd love to hear from you. The history of Llantwit Fardre belongs to all of us, and thanks to the incredible response from the community, another small piece of that history has been preserved for future generations.
More importantly, it shows that while the faces behind the bar may change, the Bush Inn remains what it has always been: one of the beating hearts of the village.
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