A YOUNG entrepreneur is the new owner of The Ruperra Arms in Bassaleg.

Ben Hourahine, who also runs a wine bar in Manchester, bought the 140-year-old public house in the village close to Newport after a £550,000 investment supported by Barclays.

The move secures local jobs and ensures another public house does not add to the growing number which have disappeared from local communities.

Mr Hourahine, 24, said: “I have been in the events and leisure business since moving to Manchester to study at university.

"In 2016 I started my own events and venue management business Mantra Entertainment and still run a successful wine bar in Manchester.

"As a local boy, however, I always wanted to buy something closer to home and have been looking every day for the last three years within the commercial property pages for the right proposition.

"When I saw the Ruperra Arms up for sale, I felt the price and the potential offered a genuine business opportunity.

"Running a business is tough with no rest bite, being tied to the business 24 hours a day but the rewards far outweigh the downsides even after working 16 hour days. The gratitude of customers simply enjoying their visit or customer’s returning week after week makes it all worthwhile.”

Moira Wearing, Barclays business manager, said: “As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local businesses such as the Ruperra Arms.

"Ben is a great example of a young entrepreneur using their experience, contacts and skills to develop a successful business.

"By really understanding the business and issues they have faced, Barclays has been able to support the business venture both financially and professionally throughout the acquisition.

"Ben is not the stereotypical landlord, splitting his time between Bassaleg and Manchester, but he understands the sector inside out and the importance of employing excellent staff to deliver strong results.”

Ben said: “We are very optimistic about the future and we want to engage and become an asset to the local community.

"We are very much aware of the challenges within the industry, but believe if you have the right staff and the right product you have a good chance of success.

"Whatever the external economic environment throws up, there will always be some businesses doing well and others not so well.

"We feel we are well positioned within the local market and can use this investment supported by Barclays to grow and strengthen the business.

"With consumer spending being squeezed and many people choosing to drink at home, we have to offer something to entice people to the pub whether that is premium beers, great food, gin tasting, a great atmosphere or simply our hospitality.

"Whatever the reason we will gladly welcome them at the Ruperra and hope to retain and support the long standing history and heritage of the great British pub.”