A POPULAR pub in Denbigh which closed three years ago has been snapped up by a chain with origins in Llandudno.

Stange & Co, a Wirral-based pub group with Llandudno roots, has bought the Brookhouse Mill, which shut in 2021 following the death of owner John Hall.

The acquisition brings an end to the Hall family’s 43-year association with the Ruthin Road pub.

Stange & Co said it was “thrilled” to take on a pub that has “all the attributes to be a cracker”.

The company began as a grocery store in Llandudno more than a century ago, and lists 10 pubs in its portfolio – including the Cottage Loaf and The Snowdon in Llandudno, The Erskine Arms and Y Capel guesthouse in Conwy, and The Queen’s Head in Glanwydden.

Stange & Co was founded as a “fruiterer and florist” in Mostyn Street, Llandudno, before being bought out by William Isaiah Rowlands in the 1920s.

Mr Rowlands’ son Bill grew the business before branching out into the pub industry with the conversion of the old Dunphy’s bakery in 1981 into the popular Cottage Loaf.

A statement from the new owners said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve acquired a new pub, the Brookhouse Mill in Denbigh, North Wales, proudly taking us to double figures.

“An impressive 18th century water mill, that sits on the banks of the river Ystrad, in the Vale of Clwyd.

“The pub has all the attributes to be a cracker and we’re sure after a little work to get it back open, it will become a pub we and Denbigh can be proud of once again.

“We don’t want folks getting too excited just yet, as the opening will be a while away.

“The place is in need of a little TLC and a few sympathetic changes here and there, but with a following wind, willing builders and an agreeable planning department the hope is to have the place up and running the middle of next year.

“We’ll make sure we keep you updated with progress along the way.”

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The 9,000 square feet Brookhouse Mill site is made up of three floors, with a bar and large restaurant area and a “large and adaptable” apartment on the second floor.

With heavy beamed ceilings and an upholstered interior, the old inn also has extensive kitchen areas, five restaurant sections, a large conservatory and room for 168 covers.

The Hall family said in an online post: “John and Karen would be happy to see the legacy of Brookhouse Mill continue under the care of its new owners, who will undoubtedly do a fantastic job.

“To all the friends we’ve made along the way, thank you for being part of this journey.”