Eastgate: Scarlets, The Red Room Bar & Kitchen

[Unit 9. Eastgate, Llanelli]

In April 2012, another local brand signed up to lease a unit in the Eastgate cinema building. Yet, over the subsequent 15 months that unit remained under construction. Duraseal, a team of roofing, construction and maintenance specialists from near Aberdare, were contracted to prepare the site for refurbishment, and it remained unclear when the Scarlets would start to benefit from their 15-year lease on the unit.

The eventual opening of the 'Red Room Bar & Kitchen' came on 10th August 2013, marking the start of the Scarlets' 2013-14 season: as part of the rugby club's 'Super Season-Starter' week, the official opening (which granted exclusive access to season ticket holders) was followed by the unveiling of the squad's new kit on August 13th at the Delme Thomas Centre, and the first pre-season friendly at Parc y Scarlets (where victory went to Exeter). A VIP launch evening was also held on August 9th, featuring a performance by local artist, Catherine Elms, who also provided live music at the Scarlets' kit launch – for more on that, click here.

Branded variously as "The Red Room" / "Red Room" / "Redroom" / "Red Room Bar & Kitchen" / "The Red Room Bar & Kitchen and Scarlets store", the new bar-restaurant-shop proudly associates itself with the Llanelli's industrial heritage (and some 140 years of rugby). And although it has nothing to do with H. G. Wells, the brand could easily team-up with the soon-to-open Llanelly House and stir up interest in the town's haunted side.

With its central location, adjoining the Odeon and alongside the taxi area, the Scarlets store and cafe should enhance competition with restaurants such as Nando's (located directly opposite).

At Parc y Scarlets, the club has already established itself in the retail and dining sectors with an official club shop and the Heart and Soul Bar & Kitchen. At Eastgate, the new 3,200 square foot outlet places the club that bit closer to fans around the town centre. The new Bar is furnished with leather sofas that add to its relaxed atmosphere, and the Kitchen, backed by Carmarthenshire suppliers, Castell Howell Foods, houses a 64-seat dining area as well as external terrace seating.

The new Scarlets playing kit and other official clothing, club merchandise and match tickets will be sold at the new store, as well as tickets for a growing number of non-rugby events held at the stadium. Additionally, the new venue has proven ideal for hosting events such as a press conference on August 22nd during which the Scarlets captaincy was announced.

According to the club's official website, the Red Room Kitchen serves "traditional and rustic" dishes, adopting "a progressive approach to gourmet burgers and a commitment to sourcing seasonal and local produce". Also found on the menu are "appetizers, light snacks, pizza and salads".

See the full menu here.

It seems the Scarlets have put a lot of thought into their new venture and really want to reach out to their fans. Check their main website for any updates to the following information.

Shop opening times.
Mon - Sat: 10:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00

Food is served from 12pm until 9pm everyday (until 8pm on Sundays).
Bar is open until 11pm Monday–Saturday, and 12pm - 9pm on Sunday.

Reservations: 01554 753317
More info: redroom@scarlets.co.uk

So, it gives Tin Dragon much pleasure to share links to The Red Room's official Twitter and Facebook pages!

twitter.com/ scarletsredroom

facebook.com/ ScarletsRedRoom

Been to The Red Room lately? Let me know by posting a comment below, or send me your thoughts on:

Twitter (@draigdun) / Facebook / Google+