About Us

A traditional Welsh tavern - but with a social purpose

Yr Heliwr is a community pub, established by volunteers, with the aim of bringing social, environmental, and economic value to the town of Nefyn and its surrounding area.

The Sportsman, as it was previously called, is an historic pub and hotel that dates from the mid 19th century. It is located in the conservation area of old Nefyn. Yr Heliwr is the Welsh name for the pub – but many still refer to it fondly as the Sportsman!

Yr Heliwr was an integral part of community life in Nefyn for many generations, until it finally closed its doors in 2009, along with several other local shops and businesses on the town’s once bustling High Street.

In 2018, a public meeting was to discuss the possibility of buying and reopening the pub as a community enterprise.

Support for the venture was evident at this first public meeting. Over 80 residents attended, filling the room with enthusiasm and ideas.

Shortly afterwards, a committee was created to lead the project, and a community benefit society established to run Yr Heliwr.

A share offer was launched in May 2018. Over 500 shareholders collectively invested over £80,000 to buy the building, which was purchased by the community in November 2018. We commissioned a business plan so we could plan the next stages of the venture.

Yr Heliwr received funding from a number of organizations to fund the renovation stage of the pub – the Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council, Calor Gas, and the National Lottery

The guesthouse (llety) renovation has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The four ensuite rooms were opened to guests in Easter 2023, following extensive renovation.

The guesthouse will support the financial sustainability of the project, while ensuring that the tourism industry is used locally as a driver for positive social and economic development.

Money to buy resources and equipment was also raised through events such as ‘Parti ar Y Pafin’ – a street party held in July 2019 to celebrate Nefyn and all the area has to offer.

Building work began in February 2020, and Yr Heliwr finally re-opened to the public in July of 2021.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has kindly contributed their time, money and efforts to the project, which continues to evolve and grow.