Six new pubs and taphouses have opened across Wales in early 2026, defying a sharp rise in hospitality closures across the United Kingdom.
The Pig & Swill, a new taphouse in Cardiff's Canton neighborhood, is among the latest openings, according to The Guardian.
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Data from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) shows 161 pubs closed in the first quarter of 2026, a 26% increase from the same period last year, resulting in about 2,400 job losses due to higher taxes, regulatory costs, and energy and food bills.
Wales recorded three new pub openings in the first quarter, followed by at least three more in April and May, including Vicino in Cardiff and The Nelson in Rhyl.
Co-founders Lewis Dwyer and Andy Aston funded their new Cardiff taphouse partly through a Kickstarter campaign that raised £29,000 for renovations.
"Business has been really good since we opened a few weekends ago.
We are really blown away by the positive reception and how the community has responded to us," said Lewis Dwyer, co-founder of the Pig & Swill.
The pair previously established Hiraeth, a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant across the street, but needed a separate venue to expand.
"Maybe it’s because we [Welsh people] love the sesh," joked Dwyer.
Restaurant patrons often asked for nearby options to continue their evenings before the taphouse opened.
"Diners used to ask: ‘Where can we go to continue our night, or have a nightcap?’
and the short answer was there wasn’t really anywhere to recommend nearby," said Dwyer.
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The owners did much of the renovation work themselves.
"We both have backgrounds in pubs and we wanted to give the neighbourhood a quality place that would complement Hiraeth and the park … Obviously it’s a big challenge.
I work eight days out of seven at the moment. But we just thought: ‘We can do this, let’s go for it,’" said Dwyer.
Despite the pub openings, the broader Welsh hospitality sector continues to see net losses, with restaurant and hotel closures outpacing new openings.
"The new Welsh government has a clear opportunity to change that trajectory and back the sector.
It was encouraging to see Plaid Cymru recognise the importance of hospitality in its manifesto, but we need to now see action on those commitments," said David Chapman, executive director of UK Hospitality Cymru.
The trade group stressed that regulatory adjustments are vital for long-term survival.
"Reforming business rates and easing cost pressures will be critical for hospitality venues, helping them to keep their doors open, protect jobs and continue to be at the heart of communities across Wales," said Chapman.
Local residents have supported the new establishments through crowdfunding rewards.
"I contributed to the Kickstarter so we’re here claiming my voucher," said Annie Harding, a 55-year-old patron.
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"It’s great to be able to support a local business," said Harding.
