Vulcan landlady Liz Smart (above with Radio 2's Jeremy Vine) is leaving the Victorian watering hole after 18 years. The landlady is likely to leave the pub at the end of May.
Vulcan landlady Liz Smart said, “I’d like to thank all the customers, especially the campaigners. I feel awful about leaving.
“It’s great to know the pub will be staying open after I’ve left. Business is very good at the moment, with all the students, darts teams and new people coming along to find out what the Vulcan is all about. We’ve just had a really successful 6 Nations, and the online campaign to save the Vulcan has been fantastic.
“Regrettably, I have to leave because I’ve bought another property. Business is very good here, but it’s hard running two households. The right person will make a very good living here.
“I’d also like to thank the developer Rapport for giving the Vulcan extra time to the people of Cardiff, and I’d like to thank Brains for supporting the campaign to save the pub. And of course, I’d like to thank my family and all the old and new customers that have supported me.
“I believe the Vulcan, like Star Trek, will live on forever. Beam me up!”
Save the Vulcan campaigner David Wilton said, “This is a very sad day for the Vulcan. Liz has put her heart and soul into this pub, and she will be dearly missed. I am however optimistic about the future, and am excited about the new ideas the next landlord will bring. The Vulcan’s busier than ever and is showing no signs of slowing down!”
Vulcan campaigner Rachel Thomas added, “We’ve heard very positive messages from Brains that they’re seeking to replace Liz as soon as possible, and I would urge anyone interested to contact Brains. The Vulcan’s served Cardiff for the past 157 years, and I’d like to see it win CAMRA pub of the year in 2050! The Vulcan is not closing”.
The Vulcan Hotel in Adamsdown is under threat of demolition to make way for a multi-storey car park. Following a petition of 5,000 names, the Welsh Assembly’s Petitions Committee has recommended the Government:
“considers the introduction of guidance, or legislation if necessary, to allow the protection of buildings that are of importance for social and cultural reasons”; and
“consults with Welsh local authorities and the WLGA with a view to strengthening the powers available to local authorities to prevent the demolition of buildings that meet the criteria for local listing”.
Whilst the pub has been granted a short reprieve, campaigners are still fighting hard to ensure the pub remains part of the landscape – in the heart of Cardiff, where it belongs.
