The Radnor Arms in New Radnor has become the latest community space to receive a government grant aimed at keeping communities connected and warm.

Receiving £2,000, the community-owned pub, which is volunteer driven, will use its small share of the Welsh Government’s latest £1.5 million warm spaces grant for the coming year, offering locals the chance to gather and escape the cold.

The funding commitment was made by the Welsh Government and draws down on their budget for 2025/26 year, and builds on a previous investment of £4 million since 2022.

These funds have ensured hubs across Wales can support communities throughout the year, not just the winter months.

Warm spaces or hubs across Wales have created opportunities for social activities, learning new skills or simply to enjoy a warm meal and a friendly chat with others in their community.

Friday 16 January saw the Radnor Arms do just that, by hosting its first warm spaces event.

The event welcomed 17 people with 3 volunteers on site to run the space, with 19 people in total enjoying soup, cake and tea/coffee. 19 hot drinks were served along with 9 slices of cake.

A volunteer from the pub said: “It was very positive, lots of chats and laughter. It’s really important to provide a safe, friendly and inclusive space at our community-owned pub, we can’t wait to host it again”.

Down south the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, recently visited a hub based in Llandaff North and Gabalfa in Cardiff to see how these spaces make a real difference. She said: “During my visit to Llandaff North and Gabalfa, I saw the incredible difference hubs make to people's lives – providing not just warmth and practical support, but a real sense of community and belonging.

“I'm proud to support hubs across Wales that offer vital services throughout the year, helping people access advice, learn new skills, and combat loneliness.

“These spaces become even more important during the winter months when people need somewhere warm and welcoming to turn to for help and companionship.”

The hub, which opened in 2017, welcomed 168,073 visitors in 2024 to 2025, making it one of Cardiff's busiest community facilities.

With Cardiff having a bigger service area, the Llandaff North and Gabalfa hub offers other services alongside food and drink, including help with library services, health and wellbeing activities, housing and benefit advice, employment support and IT training.

Although the Radnor Arms is operating on a much smaller scale, the scope to offer more services in the near future isn’t being ruled out, with attendees encouraged to make suggestions.

The pub is now listed on the warm spaces funding directory for Powys, which also includes a list of other warm spaces in the county.

The investment is part of the wider Welsh Government package of support including the Discretionary Assistance Fund, Single Advice Fund Services, and Fuel Vouchers Scheme.