The Discovery Pub (credit: William Dalgleish)

400 people sign petition against pub’s bid to extend opening hours

Plan for live music and late nights at The Discovery divide the community

MORE than 400 people have signed a petition against The Discovery pub’s bid to extend its opening hours, amid fears of anti-social behaviour. 

The proposal has divided the community, with many residents believing the changes could harm the area but others welcoming a new-look venue to the area.

The change.org petition, which has so far has been signed by 433 people, says the plan could lower living standards for neighbours.

“It’s an issue that goes beyond a personal inconvenience – it will affect the entire community,” says the petition.

The application submitted to Cardiff Council asked for permission for the pub to be able to host live music until midnight and serve alcohol until 1am.

James, 31, who lives in the Cyncoed area, said “I’m totally against it. Having an entertainment venue in a residential area doesn’t make any sense.

“This area is mostly elderly people and families; from a business perspective it doesn’t make any sense to me.

“There’s a duty of care while customers are in the pub but once they spill out there’s no care for the community. There’s already smashed glass everywhere from people leaving the pub.”

However, not all residents feel the same. Ruth, 75, who lives metres from The Discovery, believes the extension could mean a safer night out for students and young people in the area.

“If people are going to be rowdy, better they do it in a safer area than in the city centre,” she said.

James and Ruth asked that their last names not be used because of heated exchanges on the subject online.

The Discovery has been a staple of the Lakeside area for years and was previously a popular gastro pub. 

It was announced in December 2023 that Croeso Pubs had bought the pub for an undisclosed sum. It has since spent £400,000 on refurbishing it.

The Philharmonic, also owned by Croeso Pubs. Credit: William Dalgleish

The pub chain owns several popular venues in the Cardiff area, including The Philharmonic, Brewhouse, The Dock and Retro. 

Objections to the proposals will be heard at a Cardiff Council licensing sub committee meeting on November 13.

Croeso Pubs was asked to comment but did not respond.