History
The Rabbiters Rest: A Pint of History
Do you know what's better than having a pub nearby? Having four!
At least that's what the folks at the Stackpole estate thought, as they encouraged sobriety among their tenantry by not allowing any pub to exist on the land. But that didn't stop the beer sellers on the other estate on Angle peninsula from cashing in. And so, in 1840, the Speculation Inn was born, ready to cater to thirsty drovers and villagers in the Castlemartin area.
The Name Game
There's been much speculation about how the Speculation Inn got its name. Was it due to a bet between local landowners? Or did the first landlord simply "speculate" that the pub would be a success? Or did people speculate whether it was in the Hundleton Parish or the Angle Parish. Regardless of its origins, the pub's name has stuck for over 180 years.
Cheers to the Landlords
The Speculation Inn has seen its fair share of landlords over the years. James Morris, a carter from Penally, was the first to take the reins from 1846 to 1861 before moving on to open the nearby Elms pub outside of Hundleton. It wasn't until 1865 that the pub was granted a full license to sell spirits. Between 1872 and 1876, Thomas Sayse was the landlord. Levi and Esther Williams took over from 1880 to 1891, followed by William Henry Rogers from 1901 to 1910 and Mrs Sarah Rogers until 1915.
Bunny Business
The Speculation Inn was a popular hangout for trappers who made their living catching rabbits on the Angle peninsula. Each trapper had a "collector" who would pick up their catch and transport it to the "rabbit factory" in Pembroke. And where did they arrange their rendezvous? You guessed it, outside the Speculation Inn. But, Col. Saurin, the squire of the Orielton estate, was not thrilled with this aspect of the pub's business and sent a letter warning the new tenant to avoid any association with rabbit-catching or poaching. Oops!
From Soldiers to Refinery Workers
Over the years, the Speculation Inn has been a popular spot for soldiers from the newly-established Castlemartin Camp and refinery workers who needed a break from their long hours. The pub also had close links with the Angle lifeboat and was considered the "local" by the villagers of Rhoscrowther.
An Irish Twist
Under new owners, The Speculation Inn was given a sprucing up and a distinctly Irish flavour. The pub became renowned for its lively music nights and summer festivals, drawing in crowds from all over the region. For years, The Speculation Inn maintained its reputation as a beloved local haunt until it sadly closed its doors in 2019.
A New Era
When Chris Gray purchased The Speculation Inn in 2022, the building was in a state of disrepair—years of neglect and lack of maintenance had left the building in a sorry state. The roof was leaking, the walls were damp, and many fixtures and fittings were outdated and needed repair or replacement.
The new owner had to invest significant money and hard work into the renovations to bring The Spec back to life. They had to replace the roof, repair the walls, and update the plumbing and electrical systems; that's only the start.
Despite the challenges, the new owner saw the potential in The Speculation Inn and was determined to bring it back to life. They wanted to preserve the historic character of the building while also updating it to meet the needs of modern customers. He had two strokes of luck, he found a local lady called Rhian Davies to manage the pub and she transformed the décor into the home, warm friendly country pub it is today. His second stroke of luck was finding his son Martyn, loved the place and wanted to run the campsite. The two of them together have made it a very special place,
After the extensive renovation, The Spec opened to the public again in September 2023. Not only has the building been restored to its former glory, but it also boasts some added benefits. The interior has been designed to provide customers with the feel of an authentic country pub. It’s not posh but it is warm, friendly and comfortable. The outdoor area has also been expanded to provide ample space for customers to enjoy a pint in the sunshine.
Their ambition is to make it the best pub and campsite in Pembrokeshire, we are not there yet but we are well on our way. The money we make from the venture goes back into improving the facilities so one day we may well claim we are the best.
The restoration of The Speculation shows the importance of a public house as a meeting place for the local communities of Hundleton, Maiden Wells, Castlemartin, St Twynells and Angle. These people have rewarded us since we opened with their custom, friendship and assistance.