The Celtic Lodge, a well-established pub, restaurant and event venue in Neath Port Talbot, has successfully completed a programme of improvements designed to strengthen the business and support its long-term future. Alongside its day-to-day hospitality services, the Celtic Lodge hosts a variety of events, including weddings, funerals, birthday celebrations and anniversary parties. Following the introduction of wedding licences, the venue has continued to develop its wedding offering and attract a wider range of customers.
Like many local businesses, the Celtic Lodge was significantly affected by the closure of the TATA Steelworks. Reduced disposable income within the local community led to lower customer numbers, decreased spending and fewer private event bookings. The venue, which had long welcomed steelworkers, supply chain employees and their families, experienced a decline in footfall and faced increasing pressure to maintain operations.
With support from the TATA Resilience Fund, the Celtic Lodge has now completed a series of important upgrades to improve the customer experience and enhance the venue’s facilities. The project included the installation of a new air-conditioning system and essential ceiling improvements within the function room, creating a more comfortable and attractive space for weddings, parties, wakes, meetings and community events. The funding also enabled the replacement of the venue’s ageing 48-year-old boiler with a modern, energy-efficient system, improving reliability, reducing running costs and lowering the venue’s environmental impact.
The completed improvements have helped the Celtic Lodge increase bookings, attract more visitors and strengthen its position as a popular venue within the local area. The investment has also helped safeguard existing jobs, giving the business a stronger foundation for future growth while allowing it to continue serving the community.
As an important local meeting place, the Celtic Lodge continues to provide a welcoming space where people can celebrate special occasions, remember loved ones and come together for community events. The improvements have helped secure the venue’s future, ensuring it remains a valued part of the local community for years to come.
This project is supported by the UK Government through the Tata Growth Fund.
