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If you happened to be strolling down this tranquil coastal street not that long ago, it would have been rather tempting to pop into The Mostyn Arms for a refreshing pint before continuing on your way.

The pub was a delightful spot to unwind and soak up the views from one of the picnic tables at the front of the building, situated in the town of Menai Bridge on the southern coast of the Isle of Anglesey.

But not long after that, the pub would be closed, its only inhabitants overgrown shrubs and weeds. The Mostyn Arms reportedly shut its doors around 2009, according to the website By Gone Boozers, having served as a local watering hole since as far back as 1850. It was a well-frequented inn amongst travellers crossing the Thomas Telford Menai suspension bridge, which was completed in 1826, reports Wales Online.

In 2025, according to planning application information, approval was granted for the site to be redeveloped into a 10-bedroom residential care facility. The 19th century building had stood empty since 2009, and had been described as being in "a poor state of repair". The currently approved plans outlined a new facility that would provide accommodation for those aged over 55, catering for residents with "a range of needs".

The applicants noted there was "an increasing desire from an ageing population for developments adapted to the needs of older persons". The application drew local opposition, primarily concerning traffic and parking, though the planning officer confirmed there would be sufficient provision outside the building for a "stopping place, to pull up and drop someone off".

When the application was being deliberated, Cllr Jeff Evans expressed strong support, stating: "Fifteen years this building has been empty. Now we have someone who wants to develop the property into a much, much needed facility on the island, a residential care facility."

Highlighting how some residents had been forced to send elderly relatives off the island to receive care, he added: "This would be so supportive of today's needs."

He put forward a motion to accept the officer's recommendation, describing it as "a wonderful opportunity" to establish another residential care home on the island.

The site is now set to go under the hammer via an online auction with All Wales Auction through the Williams and Goodwin The Property People website on May 21. The plot is described as having access from two levels, 'set adjacent to some of the university property to the rear and private residences to the side', with views towards the Menai Strait and the mainland from its slightly elevated position.

The water views from the site are undoubtedly a major draw, however, for any prospective bidder hoping to transform it into a private residence rather than a care home, the agent notes: 'We understand the plot benefits from C2 Planning Permission (Residential Care) and that artist impressions and the current proposed plans have been provided by the seller and are included in the legal pack.'

The auction house further states that the site may lend itself to residential use, subject to the usual planning permissions, adding that 'bidders should satisfy themselves prior to bidding; Concept ideas for and residential drawings also included in legal pack'.

It is worth noting that any change of use and revised plans for a residential development are not guaranteed to receive approval from the local authority. The guide price for the former Mostyn Arms site heading to auction stands at £500,000. For further details regarding the site, planning, auction information and access to the legal pack, contact All Wales Auction on 01248 753939.