Ivy Bush Hotel, Pontardawe

This is a big red-brick Edwardian pub that hosted the first public performances of Max Boyce, and Mary Hopkin, who was born in Pontardawe, started her career here. The function room upstairs is the home of the Valley Folk Club, which started 40 years ago. Performances are on 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8.30pm - more info. on 01792 863940 www.pontardawefolkclub.co.uk. The impressive entrance canopy on cast-iron columns leads into a quarry-tiled passage from the front door to the rear with Art Nouveau stained glass in the internal entrance lobby. The public bar retains its fine Edwardian mirrored bar back fitting with columns holding up the shelves, and an original counter with a modern red Formica top. The large bare boarded room on the right has 'Ivy Bush' and 'Bar' etched windows, old benches line two sides of the room, and there are red Formica tables but the old fireplace is covered by a radiator. On the left is the Commercial Room, which until the 1960s was two small rooms and has a bar counter, bar back and fixed seating all from the 1960s. At the rear is a small room, which is mainly used by the Swansea Valley Pigeon Club and has a trophy cabinet but no old fittings. The function room has a bare wood floor, fixed seating around most of the room and a 1950s tiled fireplace covered by a more modern one. Outside gents retains original urinals.