Hotels and pubs suffer as storms cause mayhem

Violent storms caused damage worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to hotels, pubs and restaurants across the country last weekend. Most severely hit was South Wales, where winds of up to 77mph and rainfall of 41mm were recorded.

The Quakers Yard Inn in Treharris, Mid Glamorgan, had just completed a £100,000 refurbishment and was ready to reopen for business when the storms hit. The nearby River Taff broke its banks, flooding the pub in 4ft of water. The damage, estimated at another £100,000, has set back the reopening by six weeks.

High winds also damaged power lines across Wales. The Feathers Royal Hotel in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, suffered a four-hour power cut during a wedding reception.

"Luckily we had finished the cooking for the wedding, but it did affect our bar trade," said proprietor Cathy Hunter.

The Anchor Hotel in Tintern, Monmouthshire, was forced to close over the weekend, losing out on £3,000-worth of business, when water flooded the ground floor. "The weekend is the only time we are busy this time of year. The carpets are completely ruined," said manageress Rachel Matthews.

Some hoteliers, however, were counting their blessings. The Three Salmons hotel in the village of Usk in Gwent was lucky to escape damage, as floods caused the high street in which it is situated to be closed off for the weekend. "We had a murder mystery night on Saturday and everyone turned up," said a spokeswoman.

By Christina Golding