Case Studies Archive [MeshCMS]

Case Studies Archive

The Dykes End at Reach - view of pub magnificently lit at night.

The Dyke's End, Reach, Cambridgeshire

The community "Reach for a Pint" initiative. This pub, then known as The Kings, was the last remaining amenity in this small village. It had been a popular pub but the then-licensee, a free trader, had run into difficulties and lost business. At the end of 1997, he announced that he was closing the pub and applying for permission to change it to a house.

The Beauchamp Arms at Dymock in Gloucestershire - view of front of pub in daylight.

The Beauchamp Arms, Dymock, Gloucs.

The Parish taking the lead. The Beauchamp Arms is owned by the Parish Council but run on their behalf by a local management company, the Neptune Pub Company. The landlord, Ralph Palmer, is a director of the management company and runs the pub as a family business. The work of Dymock Parish Council is an excellent example of an astute use of funding for rural community services combined with the drive of local people to preserve the pub and extend the parish hall.

The Pint and Post at St Giles on the Heath in Devon - view of front of pub in daylight showing the combined post office and pub!

The Pint and Post, Devon.

Lending an ear to the needs of the community. Nadine and Edward Titcomb moved to Devon from Surrey in 1999 and took over the shop and post office as both a business venture and a change in lifestyle. When one of the locals suggested that a pub would be a strong addition to the village, they took up the challenge and responded to the views of the villagers. The Pint and Post now incorporates a tea room, pub and provides home-cooked meals. Nadine and Edward are an example of a couple who have taken the needs of their community to heart and have made personal sacrifices to see the project through.

The Old Crown at Hesket Newmarket in Cumbria - view of the group of one hundred or so people who purchased the village pub as a co-operative.

The Old Crown, Hesket Newmarket

Entire community co-operates for success. The story of the Old Crown and how it became a small beacon of hope for pub preservation dates from 1988. Jim and Liz Fearnley were former teachers who bought the pub and decided to add a brewery in outhouses at the back.

The White Hart Inn at Blythburgh, Southwold in Suffolk - view of the side of pub and road running in front of pub. Can nearly make out shop on right-hand side of pub.

The White Hart Inn, Southwold

Providing villagers with the vital services they need. Michael and Julie Davis moved to Blythburgh in 1999. They had managed several pubs previously for the Wolverhampton and Dudley Brewery, moving around and establishing new bars and restaurants. They were aware of the White Hart Inn before moving to the area and became interested in managing the pub after attending an Adnams? open day. They have brought a new approach to the business and introduced a shop and post office in the grounds of the pub, making use of a derelict building.