Hello, lovely folks! It’s Rhi here, your landlady at The Halfway Pub. Today, I’m excited to chat about one of my favourite things—upcycling. If you’ve ever visited us, you might have noticed a few quirky items around the pub that have been given a fresh lease on life. Let me take you on a little tour!

What’s Upcycling?

First things first—upcycling is all about transforming old, worn-out items into something useful and beautiful. It’s like giving them a second chance to shine! Unlike recycling, where materials are broken down, upcycling keeps the original item intact, adding a creative twist that turns it into something new.

Quirky Creations in The Halfway Garden

When you visit our garden, keep an eye out for some of our unique upcycled pieces. One of the stars of the show is our upcycled cable drum table. 

This industrial relic has been splash-painted in vibrant colours, turning it into a funky outdoor table where you can enjoy your pint in the sunshine. It’s not just practical; it adds a burst of creativity to the garden.

Ever planted creepers and cactus and perennials into your chest of drawers? Give it a go!

Then there’s the bold and bright dining table, which started life as a tired old piece of furniture. With a fresh coat of paint in daring hues, it now serves as a lively centrepiece for outdoor gatherings in a quiet corner near the front porch. It’s the perfect example of how a little love and colour can completely transform something that was on its way to the tip.

And don’t miss our deep-fat fryers that have been turned into planters! (…yes, I know the plant could be a little more well looked after! Sorry folks!)

These old kitchen staples now house cheerful little potted plants, adding a quirky, green touch to the pub’s outdoor spaces. It’s amazing what a bit of imagination can do!

The Settles: A Piece of Rugby History?

But perhaps the most intriguing upcycled treasures in the pub are the wooden settles. These aren’t just any old benches—they have a history that is richer than the gravy we dish up for Sunday lunch. Legend has it that the wood for these settles came from the old Cardiff Arms Park changing rooms, where the Welsh national rugby team prepared for matches.

Imagine that—some of the greatest rugby players in the world on their day might have sat on these very seats, gearing up for a big game! If you look closely, you might even spot the old hook holes where their kits and boots would have hung. I like to think that perhaps the likes of Cliff Morgan, Gareth Edwards, or JPR Williams might have perched on these very benches, sharing a joke or steeling themselves for the match ahead. It’s a wonderful blend of history and upcycling, giving these benches a new life while keeping a connection to our sporting heritage. Today, these seats are the thrones for some of our most well loved locals – and there’s always space for you too – no matter whether you’re a regular or just passing by!

My Love for Upcycling: Creativity Meets Community

For me, upcycling is about more than just giving objects a new purpose—it’s a way to honour the past while embracing the future. My background and studies in art (long before my landlady days) has always fuelled my passion for creativity, and I love finding new ways to bring that creativity into the pub. Upcycling allows me to blend my love for art with my commitment to the community, creating spaces that feel welcoming and unique…even if its just bit by bit. 

The Halfway: My Ultimate Upcycling Project

Of all the things I’ve upcycled, I’m most proud of The Halfway Pub itself. When Jason and I took this little gem on, I wanted to preserve its traditional charm while adding a splash of creativity to make it feel fresh and inviting. The pub isn’t just a place to eat and drink; it’s a community hub where old meets new, where history blends with a little nod to modern individuality.

Upcycling has allowed us to create a pub that’s not just a venue but a vibrant part of the community. Whether you’re relaxing on a settle with a pint or listening to the owls hooting from the trees straddling Offa’s Dyke from our cable drum table, I hope you feel the blend of tradition and creativity that makes The Halfway so special to us…and I hope to many others too.

Cheers,

Rhi