Community pub buyout

[Brewbob]

The old pub I used to work in Bath is being sold by its owner, its a free house with a real sense of community. In order to stop the pub being bought by some soulless company and having the life ripped out of it, a collective is being formed and the people can buy shares and have their say in how it run. I hope it works, not heard much of this happening before, but it sounds like a good plan, here's the link if you're interested...
http://www.bellcommunity.org.uk/

 

[Darcey]

Its nice people are intersested in saving their pub. I have seen afew of these come and go. Normally its too many cooks problem. Or people think they can drink after hours. Like any pub, needs a good manager or Landord..

How about this as well down the road from me: http://casksforthecommunity.wordpress.com/

 

[Brewbob]

Looks good Darcey, I'll have a read.

I know exactly what you mean about too many cooks, when I worked there there was a big drinking culture with lots of strong personalities, a lot of artisan/hippy/musician folk, but what I've been reading they've gone about it very professionally, used the help they need from the people they need. Like I say, I hope it works, it would be a shame to lose it

 

[eggman]

Sounds like a good idea, hope it works out.
One of the local pubs near here used to be really busy and the place to go in town, sold out to Brains and now it's like a ghost town in there. Stopped by on new years eve and there 4 people in there and that included the person behind the bar :shock: Heard rumours it's now going to only be open a few days a week, the beginning of the end I think

 

[SloeBrewer]

I saw this on Facebook, as some of my friends are involved, I think. I used to drink there when I lived in Bath and liked it as it was one of the few pubs that sold good beer, instead of the endless lager-only chain pubs. It will be interesting to see if this works out, in theory the community knows what they want from a pub, more than a profit-driven brewery does, but as with many things, committees tend to become so bureaucratic that the project ends up failing.

 

[Baz Chaz]

........ not heard much of this happening before, but it sounds like a good plan

Here you go, this ones been going a while now at Hesket Newmarket, a mate of mine used to live in the village so we used to call in @ 'The (Old) Crown' quite regularly. They brew some cracking ales as well, the cooperative bought the brewery first in 1999, then the pub followed in 2003 :thumb: If you're ever staying within reach of the pub it really is worth a visit, bit out of the way though.

OldCrown

Might even be worth someone from Bath getting in touch with them, there's a link on the pubs website for anyone thinking of starting a Co-op :thumb:

I'd be amazed if any forum member watches the films and wouldn't fancy a visit :whistle:

Films

 

[EskiBrew]

How about this as well down the road from me: http://casksforthecommunity.wordpress.com/

Thanks for posting Darcey - are you involved in this? - It's something I've wondered about doing in my village :hmm:
I've contacted them via twitter :

 

[Darcey]

Thanks for posting Darcey - are you involved in this? - It's something I've wondered about doing in my village :hmm:
I've contacted them via twitter :

I am not involved at the moment but I suspect there will be talks between the local brewerys. Its all very 3Rivers Brewery MkII in person and by the sounds of it in location as well. Stockport is very price driven at the moment so it will be interesting to see what they start producing and if its a viable venture. I wish them all the luck!

D