The Glenbrook Inn celebrates 40 years:
The Glenbrook Inn at Dobbins Road, Barry, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Opening in 1982 – in what many would consider the ‘good old days’ – it has continued to be a social facility for the Barry community and is still going strong.
The O’Leary family have continually invested in the pub and restaurant – or the Glen as it’s known locally – after building and opening it in 1982. Liam O’Leary is now the owner and aided by father Arthur, has completed a major refurbishment over the last year.
As well as a comfortable interior with an events suite with garden terraces and accessible toilet, it boasts a stunning garden and children’s play area – complete with tables and seating for 100+ and a 20-seater all-weather smoking area with heating and eight large TV screens for watching sports, and a menu of traditional pub food served in generous portions.
Homemade Sunday lunch is served in the restaurant or delivered to local homes and is a favourite, whilst on the drinks front, the pub is known for pouring a perfect chilled pint.
The family’s dedication has won The Glenbrook Inn a faithful following of regulars of all ages and made it a hub of the community. Regular entertainment, quizzes, sports screenings, skittles, darts, support of two local football teams and events for senior citizens all help bring residents together.
Arthur (aged 80) still plays an active role in The Glenbrook Inn, putting in orders, organising change for the tills and, according to son Liam, “giving out advice and keeping us right”. Mum Marilyn (also age 80) still does the bookkeeping. These days, however, Arthur is more often found on the other side of the bar, enjoying a chat and a pint with customers. The O’Learys have no intention of ‘calling time’, and the next generation of the family is already starting to help out at the pub.
Recently, they celebrated their ruby anniversary with a party at the pub. Regulars brought in pictures and videos of the inn going back 40 years. Said Liam: “With all the restrictions and closures, the last couple of years have been the toughest since 1982. We can’t thank local people enough for all the support they’ve given us; it helped see the pub through.
“We’ve met so many fantastic people at The Glen. It’s a great joy to serve the residents of Barry and be part of their lives. The pub has changed out of all recognition during our time but some things remain the same: it’s still the customers that make The Glen what it is and give it such a brilliant atmosphere.
Liam said: “It’s a great honour as long-serving licensees to have made The Glenbrook Inn a warm, welcoming local as well as an asset to the town. We strive to provide customer service and ensure it is a family friendly pub – we’re hands on, know everyone by name and what they like to drink and enjoy the social life. The O’Learys look forward to many more happy years behind or at the bar front.”
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 06.11.22 on page 21 here. Read it in print first!
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