Fearing the White Lion could be sold and converted into flats, locals formed a committee and launched a fundraising campaign to save it. With a population of just 600, the village rallied behind the cause, and more than 60 shareholders raised £535,000 for the purchase and refurbishment. The community has since brought the White Lion back to life with a host of regular activities and events:
The village has embraced the White Lion as the heart of its social life. Locals are proud to have rescued a beloved asset and regularly participate in the events and activities hosted there. The story of its revival has become a source of inspiration not only within the village but across wider North Wales.
The White Lion has restored a vital part of the village’s identity. It now stands as a community-owned venue that offers far more than food or drink – it provides connection, celebration, and purpose. Its history, including once sheltering Prime Minister David Lloyd George during a snowstorm, adds to its legacy as a treasured landmark that continues to shape the future of Cerrigydrudion.
The White Lion’s revival is a testament to what can be achieved when a community works together with a shared vision. From averting closure to creating a vibrant, community-run venue, it has become a symbol of local pride and unity.
