Wrexham AFC Ownership Group Acquires Historic Turf Pub to Preserve Club Heritage and Enhance Fan Experience

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s consortium secures iconic Turf pub adjacent to the Racecourse Ground, aiming to safeguard football history and invest in matchday atmosphere

The ownership group of Wrexham AFC, which includes Hollywood actors and co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (known as Rob Mac), has exchanged contracts to acquire The Turf pub, a historic establishment located next to the club’s Racecourse Ground. This acquisition brings the pub, the football club, and its stadium under common ownership for the first time, marking a significant step in preserving the rich heritage of Welsh football and enhancing the fan experience on matchdays.

A Historic Venue at the Heart of Welsh Football

The Turf, originally known as the Turf Hotel, holds a unique and celebrated place in football history. It was within this very pub on 4 October 1864 that Wrexham AFC was founded, making it the oldest football club in Wales and one of the oldest professional clubs in the world. The pub’s connection to the club is deeply rooted: in the early years, players used The Turf as changing rooms before matches, and it has remained a central gathering point for fans ever since.

Located on Mold Road, The Turf is notable for being the only pub in the United Kingdom built within the grounds of a football club and is considered the oldest public house at any sports stadium worldwide. Historically, the pub’s balcony overlooked the pitch, allowing patrons to watch games before redevelopment of the Mold Road Stand in 1999 altered the view.

Strategic Acquisition to Protect Heritage and Boost Fan Engagement

The deal, agreed between Wrexham Holdings and pub company Admiral Taverns, is part of a broader strategy to protect the club’s future by consolidating ownership of key assets linked to its identity. By bringing The Turf into the same ownership group as Wrexham AFC and the Racecourse Ground, the consortium aims to safeguard the pub’s historic character while enabling further investment in the matchday fan zone and other fan-related activities in the area adjacent to the pub.

Eric Allyn, representing minority investors the Allyn family, highlighted the significance of the acquisition: “Ever since we invested in Wrexham AFC through Red Dragon Ventures in 2024, the town, the community and the Football Club have become a second home. By bringing The Turf into the group, we are securing the long-term future of the pub and with it preserving its history and that of the Club.” This acquisition continues a pattern of strategic investments by the ownership group, which has previously purchased land for stadium improvements and invested in training facilities.

Continuity and Local Stewardship

Wayne Jones, who has been the landlord of The Turf for the past 20 years and is a lifelong Wrexham supporter, will continue to manage the pub’s day-to-day operations under the new ownership. Jones reflected on the venue’s importance: “The Turf Tavern, as it was then, predates the Club and records suggest that the Club itself was founded in the pub. It has played a key part of the Club’s history ever since, with the players changing in the pub before running out onto the Racecourse Ground as recently as the 1940s. It continues to be a focal point for fans on matchdays and non-matchdays.” He expressed enthusiasm about maintaining the pub’s unique atmosphere, blending its rich history with the increased global attention brought by the club’s Hollywood owners.

Chris Jowsey, CEO of Admiral Taverns, praised the pub’s role as a community hub and expressed confidence in the transition: “The Turf is a fantastic example of a local community pub at its best. Wayne has worked incredibly hard to build the pub’s reputation across both the loyal Wrexham fanbase and the broader local community. Now is the right time for The Turf to officially become part of the Wrexham Holdings family.”

Wrexham AFC’s Remarkable Rise and Global Spotlight

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired Wrexham AFC in 2021, the club has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Starting in the fifth tier of English football, Wrexham achieved three consecutive promotions to reach the EFL Championship, the second tier, for the first time since 1982. The club narrowly missed playoff qualification last season and currently holds a mid-table position in the Championship.

The Turf pub has featured prominently in the Emmy Award-winning Disney documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham,” which chronicles the club’s journey and the owners’ involvement. The venue has become a popular destination not only for local supporters but also for visiting celebrities, including Paul Rudd, Channing Tatum, Will Ferrell, and even Prince William, who famously pulled a pint alongside Rob McElhenney in 2024 to mark St David’s Day.

Looking Forward: Preserving Legacy and Enhancing Experience

While the financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and no specific timeline or budget for planned enhancements has been announced, the club’s statement emphasises a commitment to investing in the fan experience. This includes opportunities to improve the existing fan zone and other matchday facilities near The Turf on Mold Road, ensuring the pub remains a vibrant hub for supporters and the wider community.

The integration of The Turf into the club’s ownership structure represents a significant milestone in preserving the heritage of Wrexham AFC and its surroundings. It aligns with the ownership group’s broader vision of ring-fencing key areas related to the club’s life, which has included previous acquisitions of land for stadium development and training infrastructure.

A Living Monument to Football and Community

The Turf’s history extends beyond football. Originally built between 1840 and 1844, it was initially known as the Turf Tavern before rebranding as The Turf Hotel by 1866. The pub has witnessed a variety of sporting events, including cycling races, boxing matches, and wrestling, and even once featured a bowling green where the current car park stands.

Despite facing potential demolition during stadium redevelopment plans in 2007, The Turf was saved through community and political support, including intervention by then-Wales First Minister Rhodri Morgan. The pub also played a role in the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, serving as the starting point for the flame’s journey through Wrexham.

Today, The Turf continues to be a cherished gathering place for fans, locals, and visitors, offering a unique atmosphere steeped in history and community spirit. Its acquisition by the Wrexham ownership group ensures that this iconic venue will remain an integral part of the club’s story and the town’s cultural fabric for generations to come.

As Wrexham AFC builds on its recent successes and growing international profile, the consolidation of The Turf under the club’s ownership underscores a commitment to honouring tradition while embracing the future of football in this historic Welsh town.