Wrexham AFC exchanged on the purchase of the Turf from Admiral Taverns on Monday 21 September.
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It said bringing the Turf, racecourse ground and football club under single ownership would preserve the pub’s heritage and its links to Wrexham AFC, which date back to the club’s foundation in 1864.
Admiral Taverns CEO Chris Jowsey said: “The Turf is a fantastic example of a local community pub at its best.
Right time
“Now is the right time for the Turf to officially become part of the Wrexham Holdings family and we wish the team all the best for the future.”
Wrexham AFC was acquired by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021, with the pair’s ownership chronicled in Disney+ documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.
The series has brought international attention to the club and the city, with the Turf and landlord Wayne Jones also featuring prominently in the show.
With Jones remaining at the helm, the group said it planned to invest in the “fan experience” at the pub, particularly around matchdays.
Next generation
Commenting on the deal, Jones said: “As landlord of the Turf for the past 20 years and a die-hard Wrexham fan, securing the pub’s future under Wrexham Holdings is great news.
“The Turf Tavern, as it was then, predates the club and records suggest the club itself was founded in the pub.
“It has played a key part of Wrexham AFC’s history ever since, with the players changing in the pub before running out onto the racecourse ground as recently as the 1940s, and it continues to be a focal point for fans on matchdays and non-matchdays.
“I look forward to continue running the Turf and bringing its unique mix of history, atmosphere and sometimes Hollywood stardust to the next generation of Wrexham fans and locals alike.”
