After more than 30 years as a bookie, John Williams of Cardigan branched out into the licensing trade, purchased the Red Lion Inn at Pwllhau and then became licensee of the Saddlers Arms in High Street.

Now, the owner of Celtic Racing Credit Betting based in the town is to re-open the former Los Caballeros Restaurant in Pendre as The Steak House with the creation of six full and part-time jobs.

The premises in the town centre owned by Felinfoel Brewery was for very many years the Commercial Hotel public house before closing in 2011 and some years later re-opened as Los Caballeros Restaurant, but ceased trading ten months ago and has been closed since.

Now Mr Williams is setting up a new eatery specialising in steaks with an additional menu and plans to open on the week commencing July 17.

Looking forward to his new venture Mr Williams said: “We plan to open daily at 11am serving all-day breakfast, coffee, lunch and evening menus with around 50 covers.

“There is definitely a demand for this kind of establishment in Cardigan, we are relishing the challenge ahead and delighted to be able to offer job opportunities to local people,” he said.

Cardigan Traders chairman Martyn Radley, who runs Queen’s Bakery a few doors from the new restaurant, said “It is indeed very good news that the old Commercial is to re-open and we wish John every success for the future.”