AS PUBLIC houses close throughout the country, Cardigan appears to be bucking the trend with venues re-opening and creating jobs.

Two licensed premises that ceased trading in recent years have opened their doors once again.

The latest to be revived is the Commercial Hotel in Pendre which closed in 2011 but has now returned as the Commercial Bar & Grill with five full-time and two part-time staff.

Popularly known for very many years as ‘The Comm’, the watering hole, which dates back to the early 19th century and is owned by Felinfoel Brewery, was briefly opened as a restaurant, and recently in its original capacity.

The new Commercial is serving drinks during licensing hours with a grill menu and other top-rated food items between 11am and 3pm and from 6pm until 9pm with plans in the pipeline to serve Sunday lunches.

During the official re-launch on Friday, licensee John Williams acted as host to invited guests in aid of the Cardigan Cancer Care charity and during the function guests donated £355 to the charity.

Mr Williams told the Tivy-Side: “We were delighted to welcome local people who contributed a wonderful sum to the charity.

“We are looking to supplying a value-for-money bar and grill with customers able to drink or eat. We are trying to supply a relaxed and professional service with a chef of high repute.”

Cardigan Traders chairman Martin Radley of Queen’s Bakery said: “We welcome this development, especially the news in regard to jobs.

“The town needs another eatery and we wish ‘The Comm’ every success for the future.”