The Buccaneer pub in Porthcawl, which closed in April 2024, is to be restored rather than demolished, with plans to bring back its original 1930s features as part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration scheme.
The pub in Mackworth Road was once known for hosting live music at weekends and charging £3 a pint before closing for good. Shortly after closure, its previous owner applied for planning permission to knock the building down and replace it with a new development.
Restoration plans revealed
In October 2026, Bridgend County Borough Council announced early-stage plans to restore the building as a local landmark. A council spokesman said: "Plans are moving ahead to carefully reinstate the building’s original 1930s architectural features and to remove mismatched modern additions in favour of restoring its ‘ocean liner’ design and capitalising upon its stunning views of the beach and sea."
Ideas for how a refurbished Buccaneer could be used are still in the early stages, but initial suggestions include a new restaurant or café as well as space for fresh shops and kiosks to make the most of its seafront location.
A long history
The site, once described as a "spit and sawdust pub", began life in the 1930s as the Continental Café before becoming Sidoli’s ice cream parlour after the First World War. That continued until the mid-1950s, when it was transformed into a live music venue called the Rising Sun, featuring a popular upper-floor nightclub, the Pagoda Rooms.
In the 1970s it was renamed The Buccaneer and relaunched as a local bar. Since the planned demolition in 2024, it has been acquired by the Welsh Government for use within the waterfront regeneration plans drawn up by Bridgend County Borough Council.
Regeneration context
Councillor Colin Davies, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: "The Buccaneer has had a long and colourful association with Porthcawl and we want that to continue with the venue once more becoming an iconic seafront landmark and a stand-out part of our plans to regenerate the waterfront area.
"The way in which the council and Welsh Government want to bring The Buccaneer back into public life as a high-quality heritage restoration offers a taste of how we are approaching the overall waterfront regeneration. Whether it is housing and infrastructure or leisure and community facilities, we intend to deliver the highest standards of quality at all levels.
"Retaining and restoring this building to its former glory can only be a positive move for Porthcawl and I am looking forward to seeing how The Buccaneer will be used in its new lease of life."
The Porthcawl seafront is currently undergoing major changes since the closure of the Coney Beach amusement park in 2025, with demolition work now set to resume at the former funfair and Beachcomber site.
