THE BULL in Beaumaris has been sold after its owner retired after 35 years of running the venue.

Owners Keith Rothwell and David Robertson took on the site in 1987, having previously run The Seahorse restaurant in Y Felinheli.

The duo transformed the inn, which dates back to 1472, by providing luxury accommodation, fine dining and a modern design that still retained the inn's nostalgic charm.

The inn picked up plenty of awards, including being named the Best Pub in Wales in 2018.

With Keith having already retired and David announcing his own departure, the pub will be taken on by The Inn Collection Group, who David described as “dynamic and exclusive”.

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In a post on social media, David Robertson said: “After 35 years of owning this wonderful place, the moment has arrived for me to retire. In the coming weeks, a dynamic and exclusive company called ‘The Inn Collection Group’ will take over the reins at The Bull. For me personally, it will be a sad and emotional day.

“Keith Rothwell and I bought The Bull - Beaumaris in 1987 having run a tiny restaurant in Y Felinheli called The Seahorse. I was asked recently why we bought The Bull and my answer was simple: the place had real soul.

“Although over the course of the last 35 years the business has undergone several major transformations the Bar has intentionally remained unaltered. It is the beating heart of the building and of the community. The perfect place to put the world to rights with a glass or two.

The key to our success has without doubt been the people who helped us achieve our vision of creating a destination establishment. In 35 years, many have come and gone, and I’m proud to say many are still in touch. Several have gone on to forge successful careers in far flung places around the world.

“Of the 45 people who work at The Bull - Beaumaris today, some have been with me for 10 years and more. They are dedicated, skilful and loyal people. They understand what teamwork can achieve and this has forged a camaraderie which I find inspirational. It is they who make The Bull - Beaumaris what it is today.

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“I wish to publicly thank them for their hard work and commitment. We’ve had fun times and challenging times. We’ve laughed, occasionally cried but we’ve always got through. They deserve a medal for putting up with me for so long!

“There are many strands to The Bull - Beaumaris DNA that make it so special, not least the centuries old coaching inn tradition of warmth and conviviality. We’ve had film stars, rock stars, butchers, bakers and candle stick makers playing the piano and drinking together in the bar. The most memorable of times!

“I’ve got to know so many of you, some local, some not and it’s a great pity I probably won’t get the opportunity to say goodbye to you all. If I don’t manage to say this to you in person, thank you for your support over the past 35 years. It is truly appreciated.

“Naturally, I will be returning to The Bull - Beaumaris in the future as a customer, because in Tina Turner’s immortal words, it is ‘Simply the Best’.”

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