Is one of the UK's top pub chains looking to open in Tenby?

That's the question on everyone's lips this week.

The Observer understands J.D. Wetherspoon is interested in the now-closed De Valence Pavilion.

When we contacted the company, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "Wetherspoon has enjoyed great success in Wales and is keen to open more pubs.

"We believe that a Wetherspoon pub in Tenby would be an asset to the town, and we would be keen to open a pub there."

In a statement issued yesterday (Thursday), the town council revealed that a local tourist attraction looking to expand was also interested in the Upper Frog Street building, while re-opening the facility for community use was also a consideration.

Since the De Valence Pavilion reverted back into Tenby Town Council ownership following the liquidation of the De Valence Trust in May of last year, members of the council have been considering the building's future.

"The building has been on the market since August with expressions of interest invited," explained town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies.

"While confidentiality issues prevent the council from outlining the expressions of interest in detail, members considered three options at their meeting on Tuesday night," he continued.

"Two of the options involved the disposal of the building, one to a national pub chain and the other to a local tourist attraction seeking to expand its operation."

However, following the meeting, Mr. Davies said that after a prolonged discussion, members felt that both these options at present failed to adequately represent the level of investment return the domestic rate payers of Tenby, who fund the premises through their council tax, would expect.

"As such, the town council has instructed their agent to ask both parties to reconsider the level of their offers," he told us.

"The third option considered would be for the building to be re-opened for community use, although, as previously reported, significant investment would be required in the building.

"As the council has asked its agent to go back to both parties who are seeking to take over the building, no decision as to the building's future will be taken until their responses have been received.

"However, the council feels that this presents an opportunity to gauge the feelings of the people of Tenby on any or all of the options in the interim."