Llywelyn’s Pub isn’t just a place; it’s a memory, a meeting ground, and a piece of St. Louis history for 50 years. Celebrating its Golden Anniversary, Llywelyn’s has stood as a testament to the enduring power of great food and drinks, good times, and the magic of community. From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its expansion across the region, the story of Llywelyn’s is one of transformation and unyielding connection to the St. Louis community.
Humble Beginnings: A Celtic Spark
It all started at 4747 McPherson Avenue in the Central West End, where Jack Brangle and Jon Dressel opened a small, intimate pub serving Welsh-inspired dishes. In a neighborhood on the cusp of revival, Llywelyn’s became a beacon of warmth and camaraderie. With its cooks’ line nestled beside the bar, patrons could enjoy hearty Welsh rarebit or lamb sausage while engaging in lively conversations.
In those early days, Llywelyn's was as much about community as it was about its food and drink. It was a place where the neighborhood came alive—poets, professionals, and families alike shared space under its roof. Whether you were a regular perched at the bar or a first-timer, you felt like you belonged.
The little pub grew into its role as a local institution, expanding in the late 1980s to include a new dining room and a full kitchen.
Evolution Without Losing Celtic Soul
By 1997, when Chris Marshall, followed by his Webster Groves High School classmates, Scott Kemper and Brett Bennett —took over ownership, Llywelyn’s was ready for its next chapter. The new team embraced a broader Celtic heritage, weaving Irish and Scottish traditions into its tapestry. The menu grew to include bangers and mash alongside traditional Welsh rarebit, and Guinness began flowing beside local craft beers.
In 2003, Llywelyn’s undertook one of its most ambitious projects yet: transforming a historic machine shop in Webster Groves into a spacious pub with soaring ceilings, a crackling fireplace, and a welcoming hearth. This location added a banquet room, a family-friendly game area, and even a lounge featuring a salvaged 1880s Brunswick bar, weaving new memories into its storied past.
In 2010, Llywelyn's Pub opened its doors on Main Street in the beautiful Historic St. Charles. Placed in the old National Bank building, the pub features seating in the old vault and an expansive patio overlooking the Missouri River. The location has much to offer, from the beautiful patio to the private space downstairs.
Yet, for all its evolution, Llywelyn’s remained true to its roots: a place where stories are told over clinking glasses, where strangers become friends, and where the heartbeat of St. Louis's vibrant culture is felt with every visit.
A Heart for the Community
Llywelyn’s isn’t just about the food or the drinks; it’s about the people. Over the years, the pub has fostered deep connections with the communities it serves. The wall decor in Webster Groves tells the story of these bonds—proudly displaying a 1975 menu, a portrait of Prince Llywelyn, and awards from local chili competitions like the Frisco Bowl.
More than a pub, Llywelyn’s has become a symbol of giving back. Since 2013, it has sponsored or donated to multiple to local charities and community efforts. Its commitment to supporting schools, fundraisers, and community events underscores its mission: to be a warm, inviting gathering place and a partner in community growth.
A Place to Call Home
For many, Llywelyn’s is more than a pub—it’s a second home. It’s where people celebrate milestones, reconnect with old friends, and make new memories. It’s the crackle of the fireplace on a cold winter’s night, the clink of glasses on St. Patrick’s Day, and the laughter of families gathered around a table of fish and chips, or a killer burger.
Llywelyn’s isn’t just a piece of St. Louis history; it’s a living, breathing part of the community. And as it celebrates 50 years of "Celtic for Good Times," Llywelyn’s invites us all to raise a glass—to the memories, the traditions, and the promise of many more good times to come.
Sláinte!
