Wrexham AFC’s celebrity co-owners, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have purchased The Turf pub, a historic establishment located adjacent to the club's Racecourse stadium. The acquisition is described as a continuation of the strategy to "protect the future of the club and its interests by ring fencing key areas related to the life of the club."
The Turf, formerly known as the Turf Hotel, holds significant historical importance for Wrexham AFC, as it was the location where the club was founded in 1864. The pub has also played a prominent role in the award-winning docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham," which has contributed to the club's global popularity.
According to a club statement, the deal "allows for the preservation of the history and traditions of the historic public house that is inexorably linked to the Racecourse Ground and Wrexham AFC Football Club." The acquisition integrates the pub with the club and stadium under a unified ownership.
Reynolds and McElhenney, along with other celebrity guests like Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, have frequently been filmed at The Turf in the docuseries. Prince William has also been pictured behind the bar, pouring a pint.
Wayne Jones, the pub's landlord, who has gained recognition through his appearances on the TV series, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of The Turf. Jones expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to run the establishment, aiming to share its unique blend of history, atmosphere, and "Hollywood stardust" with both new and returning patrons.