HUNDREDS of residents flocked to a Torfaen pub this weekend to celebrate its re-opening under new management.

The Open Hearth Inn, in Sebastopol, Pontypool, opened its doors on Saturday, November 26, after being closed for several months.

New owner, Beverley Hartley, of the Cwmbran area, has been involved in pub management for around 25 years and also manages the Castell-y-Bwch Country Pub and Cwmbran Town AFC social club in Old Cwmbran.

Although the pub is only open for drinks service at the moment, the 55-year-old manager was pleased to bring back a much loved local for people in the area.

“The community couldn’t wait for it to open back up and I would like to thank the hundreds of people who came on Saturday. The pub was packed," she said.

“It was fantastic and there the people who came were so lovely and saying how they missed it. It was quite emotional actually as they were so grateful.”

The picturesque pub along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal has built a strong following over the years.

In a UK-wide context of public houses closing down, Ms Hartley thought it was important to keep the pub open for the community.

“It was important to take on the Open Hearth as there were rumours that it was going to be turned into flats and (residents) were really concerned,” she added.

“I thought it was doing really well. When I saw it (for sale) I thought it would have been a shame to see it go as well.”

Over the coming months, The Open Hearth will open its restaurant and plans to host a special service on Christmas Day.

Longer term plans include building a childrens’ play area which should be in place for spring / summer 2017.

For more information, search ‘The Open Hearth Inn’ on Facebook or call 07702 845319.