Rock offers rest and relaxation

22 February 2008

An historic pub in the heart of the Caerphilly county borough now offers an even warmer welcome thanks to the addition of overnight accommodation, as well as quality food and drink, at the popular venue.

The Rock Tavern is located just north of Blackwood and is run by Paul and Jennifer Taylor. The couple have recently received grant help from Caerphilly county borough council to enhance the facilities at the pub and they now have big plans for the future.

The business has qualified for a Tourism Grant to help them install 3 ensuite rooms as well as a breakfast room. They have also received a grant under the Rural Key Fund scheme to help create a new website and associated marketing activity.

The couple previously ran a pub in the nearby community of Oakdale, but sold the business as part of their plans to move to Australia. However, they decided to put their plans to move 'down under' on hold and agreed to stay in Wales and embark on this new challenge instead.

"We couldn't resist the challenge of taking on this grand old pub which has many historic links to the Blackwood area," said Paul Taylor, "The council has been a great help with our plans and we really appreciate the support that has been offered to us over the last few months. We now look forward to establishing the business as one of the leading accommodation providers in the area as well as a popular public house offering a warm, traditional welcome."

CCBC cabinet member, Cllr Tudor Davies said, "This is an excellent example of the how the council can work with a local business to help them access grant support and gain maximum benefits. We wish Paul and Jennifer all the best for the future in their exciting new venture."

For more information about the Rock tavern please contact Paul Taylor on 01495 223441.

The assistance from the council is part of a range of discretionary grant schemes for business development projects in Caerphilly county borough and is funded through the European Objective 1 Programme, the Welsh Assembly Government's Local Regeneration Fund and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

For information on a range of grants available from the council ring 01443 866222.