TWO of Monmouth’s historic hospitality businesses are reopening following being overwhelmed by Storm Claudia.

The Robin Hood, one of Monmouth’s most historic pubs recently reopened for refreshments on March 13 after shutting their doors for several months. It has been situated in Monmouth town for around 500 years, dating back to the 16th century and has been a focal point for the local community.

As of November 2024, The Robin Hood was taken under new ownership, now managed by Mark and Clair Beard.

The Beacon spoke to Co- owner of the Robin Hood, Clair Beard, who described what the impact of the flooding was like.

“When the flood happened it was 1.13am, I was just finishing off clearing up the bar area, just mopped the floors, and the water came down the street like a tsunami wave and within two minutes we were completely submerged in water,” said Clair.

“Before it came in full impact, I was already up to my knee in water just to get to the stairs.

“It took about five cars down the street, one of them impacted and hit the pub and it was just like some sort of nightmare.

“It piled in the pub at such force it filled up the cellar completely, in the end completely ripping out the carvery deck, it was in the highest point in the bar.

“All you could see was tables and chairs floating, it was just shocking.”

After the devastating impact, the pub set out a complete refurbishment, receiving generous help from volunteers, local builders and tradesmen from Monmouth and The Ross-On-Wye area.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’ve actually managed to do it with a lot of support, after such a traumatic time for all of us,” Clair added

“We’re now on the back end of it and so happy to be opening, although our kitchen is a little bit behind so that will happen but not just quite yet.”

Another one of Monmouth’s well-known businesses have confirmed they are slowly making progress and getting closer to opening.

The Riverside Hotel on Cinderhill Street was also one of the many businesses majorly impacted by the flooding in November.

The Beacon spoke to Matt Lewis at The Riverside Hotel who confirmed the rooms are open, but the bar is hoping to reopen at the latest in the first week of April if everything goes to plan.

“We are looking forward to reopening and welcoming the community back,” said Matt.

Due to the extent of the damage Matt said there won’t be any functions this year as they make their way through tackling each room to undergo refurbishment.

The historic hotel was a former coaching Inn in the 19th century which was under the name “The Rising Sun” and is it is now a hotel with a bar and a function room.

As we head into Spring, both businesses look forward to a positive future, ready to welcome their customers back once again.