Croeso Pubs Ltd has appointed experienced hospitality manager David Rowlands to lead The Cricketers in Pontcanna.
David has extensive experience in the pub trade, having worked as an event day manager at the Principality Stadium and at cocktail bars in Cardiff city centre.
In 2020, he took over the licence of the North Star in Cardiff’s Maindy area. During his five years at the pub, the venue received several awards.
After reassigning the lease last year and taking some time away from the industry, David has now joined the management team at Cardiff-based Croeso Pubs and taken over the reins at The Cricketers.
Originally from Abergavenny and a fluent Welsh speaker, David said he was keen to return to hospitality and could not miss the opportunity to run the Pontcanna pub.
He explained: “The team at Croeso Pubs only took over The Cricketers in 2025 and since then they’ve made great strides in making it a pub that is truly for the locals and that’s what I’m keen to carry on, but with my own twist.
“At the North Star, we were really successful at hosting events and comedy showcases, and I’m very keen to replicate some of that at The Cricketers and increase that portfolio and the community reach the venue already has. I’m really excited for the future and look forward to welcoming people who haven’t visited in a few years through the doors.”
Mike Haygarth, Area Director of Croeso Pubs, said of Dave’s appointment: “What Dave and his team achieved at the North Star speaks for itself really – he made it a “go to” venue for students and locals alike in Maindy. We are over the moon that he’s joined our management team and can’t wait to see what he does at The Cricketers.”
Croeso Pubs has a track record of reviving city centre venues and transforming struggling community pubs into local hubs.
The company took over the lease of The Philharmonic in 2017 following a £1 million refurbishment, transforming it into one of Cardiff’s most popular nightspots.
It also acquired former Brains pub 33 Windsor Place in December 2022 and reopened it as the Daffodil.
In 2021, Croeso Pubs refurbished the former Goat Major on High Street, opposite Cardiff Castle, and restored its original Blue Bell name. The venue was further extended in 2024.
