Neil Roberts Swaps Football for Fine Wine with New Wrexham Bar
Neil Roberts, famed for his tenure as a formidable striker with over 100 appearances for Wrexham AFC, is charting a new course far from the football field. After hanging up his boots in 2009 following distinguished spells with the club (1994-2000 and 2006-2008), Roberts is making a grand entrance onto the high street, not as a player, but as the proprietor of a sophisticated wine bar.
A Toast to Heritage and Modernity
Set to open its doors within the historic confines of the Grade II-listed Bank of Liverpool building, Roberts’ venture, Vault33, cleverly nods to its prestigious address. Speaking to The Leader, Roberts expressed his vision: “Our ambition is to bolster Wrexham’s thriving business landscape. Maintaining the building’s architectural grandeur, dating back to 1898, has been pivotal. It’s a fusion of tradition and contemporary flair we’re eager for patrons to experience.”
Dedication Beyond the Field
Embracing a new kind of training, Roberts immerses himself in the art of hospitality, drawing insights from revered local establishments like Pant Yr Ochain, the Golden Lion, and notably, The Turf. Positioned adjacent to Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground—the birthplace of the football club in 1864—The Turf holds a special place in the town’s sporting lore.
A Culinary Mystery Awaits
While the wine selection and potential culinary offerings remain a tantalizing secret, anticipation builds for the bar’s unveiling, targeted for late March or early April.
