The Boars Head Hotel is probably Carmarthen's oldest hostelry. Its origins go back to a house belonging to the Owen family of Orielton, Pembrokeshire. Although no certain date can be given for the building of this house, we do know that the Owen family had connections with the town as early as Elizabethan times with Hugh Owen being made recorder for the borough in 1574.

This original house, which was known as the New Inn, is now the front dining area, and a substantial wall between the front and rear dining areas shows the position of the house fireplace.

In the 1750's major extensions were made to the premises. The adjacent house on the south side was taken over, and the living room converted to stables (now the lower bar). The kitchen was extended, and a new brew house built (now the rear dining room).

Further work was carried out in early 1820's. This work included new stables as well as a 'spacious Commercial Room', a room for the use of commercial gentlemen and travellers.

The basic layout of the Hotel has remained unaltered to the present day, although recent refurbishments have brought the Hotel fully up to modern standards whilst maintaining its character.

-Researched and written by D. Griffiths