The sitewas previously closed in April 2024 and has stood for almost 100 years in the town
An artist’s impression of how The Buccaneer in Porthcawl could look(Image: Bridgend County Borough Council)
An iconic Porthcawl pub is set to be given a new lease of life after serving the seafront area of the town for almost 100 years.
The Buccaneer pub in Mackworth Road was once known for hosting live music at weekends as well as charging only £3 for a pint before it was closed for good in April 2024.
It was set to be knocked down and replaced with a new development shortly after when its previous owner applied for planning permission to demolish the building.
However in October 2026 Bridgend County Borough Council announced early-stage plans to restore the building as a local landmark, bringing back its original 1930s features as part of the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration scheme.
A council spokesman said: “Plans are moving ahead to carefully reinstate the building’s original 1930s architectural features and to remove mismatched modern additions in favour of restoring its ‘ocean liner’ design and capitalising upon its stunning views of the beach and sea.
“Ideas for how a refurbished Buccaneer could be used in future are still in the early stages but initial suggestions include opportunities for establishing a new restaurant or café as well as space for fresh shops and kiosks to make the most of its seafront location.”
The site, once described as being a “spit and sawdust pub”, began life in the 1930s as the Continental Café before becoming Sidoli’s ice cream parlour after the First World War.
This continued until the mid-1950s when it was transformed into a notable live music venue called the Rising Sun that featured a popular upper-floor nightclub, the Pagoda Rooms.
In the 1970s it was renamed The Buccaneer and relaunched as a much-loved local bar.
Since its planned demolition in 2024 it has been acquired by the Welsh Government to be used within the waterfront regeneration plans drawn up by Bridgend County Borough Council.
Councillor Colin Davies, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “The Buccaneer has had a long and colourful association with Porthcawl and we want that to continue with the venue once more becoming an iconic seafront landmark and a stand-out part of our plans to regenerate the waterfront area.
“The way in which the council and Welsh Government want to bring The Buccaneer back into public life as a high-quality heritage restoration offers a taste of how we are approaching the overall waterfront regeneration.
“Whether it is housing and infrastructure or leisure and community facilities, we intend to deliver the highest standards of quality at all levels.
“Retaining and restoring this building to its former glory can only be a positive move for Porthcawl and I am looking forward to seeing how The Buccaneer will be used in its new lease of life.”
The Porthcawl seafront is currently undergoing massive changes since the closure of the Coney Beach amusement park in 2025, as part of wider plans to regenerate the area, with demolition work now set to resume at the former funfair and Beachcomber site.
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