Mai Thai, a popular Thai restaurant in Gorseinon, is set to open a second location in the former Rhyddings pub in Brynmill, Swansea, by the end of October.
The business, which has seen queues of people forming outside its current site on many occasions, has taken over the running of the Rhyddings on Brynmill Avenue. The pub closed in early 2020, leaving many disappointed.
Historic building brought back to life
The two men behind the business, internet personality Dean Phillips and business partner Paul Carroll, announced the expansion. Mr Phillips said he could not wait to breathe new life into the building.
He told WalesOnline: "Me and my business partner were looking at opening another Mai Thai closer to the city centre after the success of the first one. When the opportunity came around to open in The Rhyddings, we jumped at it. It’s a historic building and so many people that I’ve spoken to have great memories drinking in there over the years."
Residents thrilled and jobs coming
Mr Phillips said the site has been closed for years, but he hopes it will be open by the end of October. He added: "I’ve spoke to lots of the residents already and 95% of them are absolutely thrilled to have this iconic building back to life and thrilled that we’re going to be bringing a lot of job opportunities to the area as well."
He described the new site as "next level" compared to the Gorseinon cafe, saying: "I was excited to open the cafe in Gorseinon, but this place is next level as I know how amazing it’s going to be when it’s finished."
