Here at the Argus, we love a good pub - and we want to tell you all about the best ones in Newport and across Gwent. Here, in the third in a new series, we spoke with Theresa Gwilym who took over The Greyhound Vault, in Abergavenny, in April. Leah Powell reports.

AN ABERGAVENNY pub may have changed hands recently – but it remains focused on locally sourced food and drink.

The Greyhound Vaults, on Market Street Abergavenny, was a restaurant which was opened in 1987 and run by couple, Lynne and Roy Arnup, who ran the establishment for 36 ears before retiring in April 2023.

The Greyhound Vaults is now run by Theresa Gwillim – who has a background in hospitality and pub industry - and continues to offer locally sourced food and drink in the heart of Abergavenny.

South Wales Argus: Part of the bar at The Greyhound Vaults

“We offer traditional pub food and a huge selection of Welsh produce,” said Ms Gwillim.

“Our local drinks and produce are what makes The Greyhound Vaults stand out among the others.”

She added that the Y Fenni chicken is particularly popular - the cheese used is named 'Y Fenni' which is the Welsh name for Abergavenny and is blended with mustard seed and ale.

The venue also offers traditional Welsh roasts on Sundays which - judging by reviews left since the changeover - remain popular with foodies.

Reviews on the venue's new Facebook page are positive - one visitor booked in a Sunday meal and enjoyed “delicious” food adding praise for the “speedy service and pleasant staff.”

Another described their food as the “yummiest Sunday roast” they’d had in a long time, praising the “great, speedy service from lovely staff” while a visitor from April when the venue re-opened wrote:

“Lovely food and warm welcome, good luck with the new venture, will be back!”

South Wales Argus: Gift vouchers are available

The Greyhound Vaults also offers lunchtime dining from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and is open from 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, when people can enjoy the venue's dinner menu until 8pm.

People can also pre-book evenings at The Greyhound Vaults for groups or celebrations with drinks (including cocktails), suppers, and platters available.

Dietary requirements are considered - with options available for those on plant-based diets, plus drinkers are welcome to enjoy the bar when the Greyhound opens for theatre nights.

TripAdvisor has more than 100 reviews for the premises - including exclusively five-star reviews (at the time of this article's publication) since the takeover in April 2023. 

Someone visiting this month [August] described The Greyhound Vaults as a “little gem of a place” with “excellent food” at “reasonable prices” continuing:

"Such lovely staff. So friendly and helpful. Felt very relaxed here..."

Another guest, who visited in June, described their first visit to The Greyhound Vaults as “excellent in all ways” on TripAdvisor.

In previous years, The Greyhound Vaults (which is a dog friendly venue) has been a major part of Abergavenny Food Festival - and 2023 will be no exception.

"We are very excited about Abergavenny Food Festival," said Ms Gwillim.

"We will be open to all on September 16 and 17 as usual - with no ticket needed.

"We will be felling fantastic local drinks, food, and produce, at our usual prices and - if the demand and weather is with us - will use our lovely little beer garden as an outside bar."

South Wales Argus:

The Greyhound Vaults will also have live music on Saturday, September 16, in the late afternoon as part of the festivities. 

And the local focus at The Greyhound Vaults doesn't stop with their food - the venue also offers a variety of drinks sourced locally, including:

  • Drinks from Glamorgan Brewing Company which is an independent family owned business established in 1994;
  • Award-winning craft cider Ty Gwyn Cider – many of these beverages have earned Great Taste Awards over the years and are on offer at The Greyhound Vaults;
  • Award-winning spirits and drinks from Silver Circle Distillery;
  • Drinks from Penderyn Distillery.

South Wales Argus:

Visitors to the Abergavenny establishment - which also offers gift vouches - can also enjoy watching live sports - including women's summer football - and terrestrial TV on the big screen. 

Plus, The Greyhound hosts regular live music events - with plenty of festive fun in store for Mr Gwillim's first Christmas managing the gastropub.

Throughout December there will be a Christmas menu available at The Greyhound Vaults, with plenty of events lined up including Christmas party nights, a quiz, darts, raffle, and more. 

South Wales Argus: What's on - December 2023

People can follow updates for the festive season in the Facebook group Christmas @ The Greyhound Vaults.

The Greyhound Vaults is also available for people to book for private functions, family gatherings, parties, celebrations and wakes.

People can find out more and get live updates about the venue, by following it on Facebook: The Greyhound Vaults, Abergavenny.