The Lower New Inn History...
The below photograph is of Ann Williams, landlady, her family and staff of the The Lower New Inn Pub near Pontypool & Cwmbran. This photograph is taken from an old glass slide within the Torfaen Museum Trust’s collection in their Dobell-Moseley Library and Archive.
During the early days of photography in the 1840s and 1850s, the most common type of photography was a Daguerreotype (named after its inventor Frenchman Louis-Jacques Daguerre) which involved a special process and meant the object of the final glass photograph had to stand still for quite some time.
The museum research shows that this is a very early photograph of the Daguerreotype and if you look closely at the photograph you can imagine Mrs Williams, stood in front of the door and her (possible) daughters (one holding a dog to her left) and the others standing very still for a long time – probably several minutes. Not like today's selfies.
The girl to Mrs Williams right (possibly a daughter) is wearing a dress with ‘leg o mutton’ sleeves which were fashionable in London society in the 1830s but probably still very much worn outside fashionable cities (and dresses handed down from older female relatives) still in the 1850s.
The New Inn would already have been a centuries old Coaching Inn by the time this picture was taken in the mid nineteenth century.
Situated on The Highway, which was then the main road from Usk and Pontypool towns down to Croesyceiliog and on to Newport, it would have been a prosperous public house with accommodation.
Kenny Morgans: A Decade Behind the Bar at The Lower New Inn
Few people can claim a place in both local history and football history quite like Kenny Morgans. Best known as one of the legendary Manchester United “Busby Babes” and the youngest survivor of the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, Kenny brought resilience, character, and a remarkable life story to The Lower New Inn during his ten years as landlord.
Before taking the reins of The Lower New Inn, Kenny enjoyed a distinguished football career. Rising through Manchester United’s famous youth system, he captained the club's FA Youth Cup-winning side and earned a place in Matt Busby’s first team. His career was forever shaped by the Munich Air Disaster, from which he made a remarkable recovery before continuing to play professionally for Manchester United, Swansea Town, Newport County, Barry Town, and later serving as a player-manager in South Wales.
When Kenny became landlord of The Lower New Inn, he brought the same determination and people-first approach that had defined his football career. Over the course of a decade, he transformed the pub into a true community hub, earning the respect and affection of locals and visitors alike. Regulars remember him not only for his footballing past, but for his warmth, humour, and willingness to make every guest feel welcome.
Under Kenny’s stewardship, The Lower New Inn strengthened its reputation as one of the area's most popular meeting places. The pub became known for its friendly atmosphere, strong community spirit, and commitment to bringing people together. Whether serving loyal locals, welcoming travelling football fans, or sharing stories from a remarkable life in the game, Kenny made the inn a place where everyone felt at home.
His connection to Manchester United and his status as a survivor of one of football's most significant events also made The Lower New Inn a destination of interest for football enthusiasts visiting South Wales. Yet despite his achievements, Kenny remained humble, preferring to focus on the community around him rather than his own accomplishments.
Today, Kenny Morgans remains an important part of The Lower New Inn's rich history. His decade as landlord added a unique chapter to the story of this historic coaching inn, leaving behind a legacy built on resilience, hospitality, and community values. For many, he will always be remembered not only as a footballing hero, but as one of the most respected custodians of The Lower New Inn.
The Lower New Inn: The Last 20 Years
Over the past two decades, The Lower New Inn has continued its long-standing role as a cornerstone of the New Inn and Pontypool community. As one of the area's oldest coaching inns, the pub has evolved with changing times while maintaining its reputation for hospitality, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Like many traditional pubs across the UK, The Lower New Inn has experienced periods of both growth and challenge. Despite changes in the hospitality industry, it has remained a valued meeting place for local residents, families, and visitors, preserving its place at the heart of community life.
A significant chapter began in late 2017 when the pub reopened following a period of closure. The venue was transformed into a gastropub, placing a stronger emphasis on quality food, local produce, and an enhanced dining experience while retaining the character and charm that had made it popular for generations.
The business continued to evolve in the years that followed, adapting to changing customer expectations and investing in its food and drink offering. In 2023, the venue underwent further changes under new ownership, with a renewed focus on premium dining, Welsh produce, and creating a memorable customer experience.
Another exciting new chapter began in 2024. Following a brief closure, the pub reopened under new management and proudly returned to its historic name, The Lower New Inn. Refurbishment works, a refreshed interior, and a renewed commitment to community, quality food, and excellent service helped re-establish the venue as a popular destination in Pontypool.
Today, The Lower New Inn continues to build on its rich heritage while looking firmly towards the future. With great food, quality drinks, live entertainment, community events, and a warm Welsh welcome, it remains a place where friends, families, and visitors can come together and enjoy the best of local hospitality.