Members' club to open in June (From Free Press Series)

Members' club to open in June

THE NEW Elm House club in Pontypool is due to open on June 2.

The former Pontypool RFC clubhouse on the town bridge is now owned by Newport-based bar and club-owner Iftekhar Haris.

He plans to operate Elm House as a members' club boasting a restaurant on the top floor, with live music and comedy on the first floor and a bar/restaurant on the ground floor.

Workmen are currently on site aiming to get it ready for opening on June 2.

"It's a very tight schedule," admitted Mr Haris.

"I want it ready to open on June 2. The sooner I get it open the sooner I can get the membership sorted."

He is going to make Elm House a members-only club, with membership costing around £5-10 per year.

"The idea behind making it a members-only venue is that we know who is coming into the place. It's all about ensuring there is a nice atmosphere for patrons," he said.

Mr Haris owns four venues in Newport - The Meze Lounge offering music, Mexican restaurant Seor Coconut, cocktail bar/restaurant La Bamba and the Gallery bar and art gallery.

"Some people from this area have been telling me this is too good for Pontypool," he said.

"I just don't understand that. I'm sure there are enough people who want to sit down and have a decent meal or a quiet night with entertainment, to make it work."

Free Press readers can get free membership to Elm House and a chance to win season tickets to see Pontypool RFC play next season. See next week's paper for details.