Investment aids expansion of south Wales bar

A popular south Wales bar has invested £15,000 to expand and upgrade its existing premises as it looks to tap into new markets in 2011.

Bar 44 in Cowbridge has expanded its bar by 200 square foot to introduce a new business lounge, sponsored by Jack Daniels, which will be used to host business breakfasts, lunches and events, as well as being available to hire out for private functions.

Set up in 2000, Bar 44 has become a well known destination for residents in the Vale of Glamorgan, and thanks to its success, the owners have been able to reinvest in their business in order to work with the local business community.

Tom Morgan, proprietor of Bar 44 said, "We realised that we had a valuable resource in the additional room upstairs and felt that it would be ideal for business use. Located in a secluded part of the building, meetings and events can be carried out without interruption."

The bar has also received funding from Creative Rural Communities to assist with the upgrade.

This project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Creative Rural Communities is a regeneration and economic development initiative led by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in partnership with various public, private and voluntary sector organisations.

Tom added, "When holding an event with us, customers can be sure that we will maintain the usual high Bar 44 standards throughout, meaning that they can focus on the business in hand, rather than whether their event will run smoothly."

A recent finalist in the South Wales Echo Restaurant of the Year Award, Bar 44 is unique in south Wales, offering high quality tapas in a stylish, vibrant environment.

Open from 9.30 for breakfast, Bar 44 serves food and drinks throughout the day.

Situated in the market town of Cowbridge, Bar 44 is easily accessible from Cardiff, Barry and Bridgend, making it a viable alternative to the more traditional meeting venues in the Vale.

Ends Enquiries to Katherine Williams-Davies at k.williams-davies@freshbaked.co.uk or 02920 668090