Latest news with #King'sArms
South Wales Argus
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
John Osborne's Newport links discovered in theatre research
The Monmouth-based Off Centre Theatre group is set to stage The Entertainer by John Osborne. During research, the play's director, Martin Newman, discovered that Osborne's family had deep ties to Newport and this newspaper. Osborne, a key figure in the 1960s 'kitchen sink theatre' movement, made little of these connections in his life. However, he did recall his grandmother, Queenie, taking great joy in reading the South Wales Argus, especially the births, marriages, and deaths section. Osborne's Newport roots trace back over 200 years. His great-great-grandfather, a carpenter named Philip Osborne, settled in Newport during the industrial revolution. Philip's son, Henry, initially a domestic servant at the King's Arms pub on Commercial Road, eventually became the landlord, turning it into a thriving business. The family also ran a local jewellery business, but by the 1920s, the business failed, and they moved to London, where John Osborne grew up. The King's Arms, located at 133 Commercial Road, was demolished in 2015. The Entertainer will be performed at the Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, for three nights on June 19, 20, and 21. Tickets are available from the theatre box office.
Western Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Fishguard's Cambrian Inn closes as owners seek new tenants
Husband and wife team Helen and Kris Nathan bought the Cambrian Inn in Fishguard back in April 2021. The pub, which had in the past been thought of as a bit of an 'old men's pub' was given a new lease of life. An eye-catching octopus mural was painted on the exterior, while inside Helen and Kris opened up the fireplace, installed a stove and painted the interior to create a fresh welcoming space. (Image: Western Telegraph) The pub became known for its live music and good, simple home cooked food, including homemade pasta dishes, homemade pizza, pasties curries and pastries. The couple have had similar success in Cornwall where they have transformed the King's Arms in Mevagissey. (Image: Cambrian Inn) Based in the Cornwall pub, Kris and Helen are searching for new tenants to run the Cambrian Inn as 'a welcoming space for all offering lovely food and drinks'. Until then they will run the Cambo, as it is affectionately known, as a pop up pub, opening on the late May bank holiday as well as for the Fishguard Jazz festival in lte August and other select weekend to be announced on social media. 'Ideally we are looking for a live-in couple who have previous experience and want to showcase all the local, artisan producers through food and drink,' said Helen. (Image: Cambrian Inn) 'A couple with the passion and drive to live and work in a lovely building that is based in a brilliant town with a very welcoming community.' The new tenants will be provided with three bedroom, one bathroom accommodation with a kitchen and reception room and all bills will be covered. They would work a four day working week, from Thursday Sunday, with potential for more if wanted. (Image: Western Telegraph) 'We are looking for someone who would be innovative in creating ideas and events to drive footfall and increase turnover.' Kris and Helen will support the new tenants remotely but expect them to use their initiative for creating regular social media content, ordering stock, keeping things in an orderly fashion, creating events. They would need to have a love for food and writing menus using produce from local suppliers. A personal license, basic food hygiene certificates and previous experience working with the general public are all pre-requisites. 'It's a lifestyle and you must be passionate about public houses and being part of community events,' said Helen. 'You've got to have the drive and flare to create a warm, welcoming place to regulars and potential new patrons.' She added that the new tenants would be living in an area of outstanding natural beauty with walks, surfing, climbing and many other outdoor pursuits on the doorstep and in a town with excellent infrastructure. She said that although it would break her heart, she is also open to sensible offers if anyone wants to buy the freehold. 'It is a lovely pub that I have spent so much time and money on,' said Helen. 'I just want it to be open and run.'
