Yr Hen Dderwen
Carmarthen
This J D Wetherspoon pub is named after Carmarthen’s Old Oak Tree – Yr Hen Dderwen – which stood for over 300 years in Priory Street. It is said to have been planted to celebrate the return from exile of King Charles II.
The Old Oak was Carmarthen’s most famous landmark. Also known as the Priory Oak and Merlin’s Oak, it stood at the junction of Priory Street and Old Oak Lane until 1978, when was removed to St Peter’s Civic Hall. According to legend, Merlin, or Myrddin, was born in Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin) and gave his name to the town. He is said to have cast his enchantments in oak groves and used an oak branch as a wand.
Therefore, in this project the key element is the oak tree as it is a relevant element present in the history of Carmarthen and using local historic references.
For the interior, the choice of colours range from dark green to orange representing the seasons in the leaves, as well as the carpet designed with elements such as leaves and roots, also Merlin outlines can be seen in the carpet hidden by branches. In the furniture representing the growth of the trees are varied shades of wood from light to dark.
An eye-catching element is the tree-shaped column centred in front of the bar, KDPA developed to replicate the idea of gathering the tree branch as they used to do, bringing a sense of community.
Once you have reached the first-floor lobby, glazed double doors open out onto a new extended area with external environments such as pergolas and the terrace.
At the rear end of the building, you will find glass balustrade areas allowing views over the houses and to the hills in the background, with a raised drinks shelf and seats.
The sculptural artwork and a painted panel have been selected to reflect the pub and areas history.
Photography: © Pippa Hudson Photography