LAMPETER’S historic Black Lion Hotel is poised for a new lease of life 12 months after being closed by Cardiff-based brewery SA Brain’s with the loss of 17 jobs, the Cambrian News can reveal.

The old coaching inn – which has played a key role in the life of the town for the past couple of centuries – has been bought by a local businessman who once pulled pints there as a teenage barman.

Lampeter-born property developer Nick Wright, 38, has confirmed his purchase of the iconic building for an undisclosed fee.

Mr Wright and his business partner, Usk-based businessman Dave Lippiatt – who plan to invest around £500,000 into the property – hope to reveal their future plans for the High Street hotel next month.

“The priority is to restore the Black Lion to its former glory,” Mr Wright, who already owns Lampeter’s Nag’s Head as well as the Cwmann Tavern, told the Cambrian News.

“This pub is the jewel of Lampeter and we want to do our bit to try and attract more people into the town because at the moment a lot are just driving through.

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