End of an Era: Saying goodbye to Alun after 44 years at the Tanronnen Inn

3rd July 2025

Written by Mr Robinson

To celebrate our Pub Partners Alun and Gill, and Alun’s incredible 44 years with Robinsons, we caught up with them to hear their story — and the rich history of the Tanronnen Inn that runs through Alun’s family tree.

What brought you to the Tanronnen Inn 44 years ago?

This pub has been in family since 1974. My mother-in-law took in on in 1974, then two years later my brother-in-law took over. I was Head Chef in a big hotel in mid-Wales, and I wanted to come back home. The Tanronnen was in need of a manager, so I applied and had an interview at the brewery in Stockport. Weeks later, I received the letter to say got the job, and I haven’t looked back since! I started in December 1980. I always wanted my own pub and I have no regrets. I became very friendly with Mr Peter at the time, he used to visit my pub and stay with his wife.

What is your favourite memory at the pub?

I have done quite a lot for charity, I’m so passionate about it. When I joined, there wasn’t a lot happening in Beddgelert. So, being a local lad, I said right let’s get together and hold a club/meetings, so we formed the Snowdonia Billy’s group to raise money for charity. This was to re-do a snooker club here in Beddgelert. We raised £50,000, after finishing the snooker club I decided to enhance the local village. We did a lot of carnivals and events, for boxing, NYE, Easter, summer, there was always an event, from duck races to carnivals. Big events and small events. After that, I felt it was time to put something back into the community. I started competing in Beddgelert in Bloom, Wales in Bloom, Britain in Bloom, Europe in bloom – and we won every single award possible! Literally from Europe to Wales – and we won Wales in Bloom 10 times until we stopped entering! Then, I got an MB in 2001. I still raise money for flowers to go around the pubs in the village.

I’ve also met lots of film characters and stars too, such as Johnny Vegas. There are always film stars around here as they film around the village, so there’s been many memorable events. I’ve done lots of filming myself since early 1980s. Every winter, to raise money for the flowers, we have a film event and I put a programme together of what I film throughout the year and make it comical. It’s always fun and helps the village a lot – the flowers used to cost around £3,500 a year!

I will also never forget when the three brothers [Mr Dennis, Mr Peter and Mr David] came to visit after the refurbishment in 1994. It just showed what a great family business Robinsons truly is.

What is your favourite time of the year?

Well, we are a small hotel and one big family. I have the same people coming back each year and a large loyal customer base, so we are busy all year round but a bit quieter in winter due the summer tourism dropping. I love it all year round though!

What are some of the changes you have seen over the years?

In the early days, everything was collar and tie and jacket at the weekend! We were closed on Sundays as pubs weren’t allowed to open. But I remember the votes to open pubs on Sundays, we lost at first, then won the second time around, and then the licensing law changed with new hours too which brought in more trade. I have a walking group that has been coming to the Tanronnen every December for the last 40 years, and we often discuss how even though things have changed over the years, they still love to spend their time here every single year. If you give your customers a warm welcome, they’ll come back.

What is your current best-selling beer?

Unicorn Ale. Everybody loves it!

If you could give a piece of advice to somebody looking to run a pub, what would it be?

Be part of the community, work well with your staff, and always have a smile on your face! I am never unhappy following this mantra. I’ve had the same staff for many years - that is the secret of having a successful business.

What do you enjoy most about being a publican?

Community life. You’re involved in everything, not just the pub. We get very busy on food which I also love. I am a great believer in quality good home-cooked food, and we are open 7 days a week to serve this.

“You can see from the views, there’s lots of walking to be done in a beautiful area. The mountains and hills roll on and on, it’s absolutely stunning. It gets busy with tourists taking in the scenery, going on hikes, or popping down to the local beaches. There’s lots of shops selling home-made ice-cream, fudge etc, so it’s great for families too. Even in winter, it is beautiful with all the snow.”

A heartfelt thank you to Alun and Gill for their many years of outstanding hospitality, dedication, and hard work. You’ve left a lasting mark on the Tanronnen Inn and everyone who’s had the pleasure of knowing you. You will be truly missed — wishing you both all the very best in your well-earned retirement.