Community Group Revives The King’s Head Pub in Chitterne
The Chitterne Community Pub Group has taken over The King’s Head, aiming to reopen it by Easter after renovations and community support
Chitterne, UK, Community Pub, The King’s Head, CCPG
Chitterne: The Chitterne Community Pub Group (CCPG) just got the keys to The King’s Head on December 20. They’re planning to have it up and running by Easter after some much-needed renovations. They’ll be modernizing the kitchen and putting in new flooring, which sounds great!
The CCPG started back in 2018 with the goal of buying the pub for the community. Now, they’re on the lookout for a tenant to manage the pub and live in the upstairs flat.
They agreed on a sale price in March 2024, after the pub had been closed for four years. It took a lot of effort to raise the funds needed for the purchase.
They managed to gather around £340,000 by selling community shares to over 100 investors. Plus, they secured a £100,000 loan, which helped make the purchase possible.
Now, the group is eager to find someone who can turn the pub into a lively community hub.
The previous owner, Kenton Stone, had tried to convert the pub into a house, claiming he couldn’t find a buyer for eight years. Thankfully, his plans were turned down by Wiltshire Council.
John Dillon, a member of the CCPG, expressed his excitement about completing the purchase. He said the village was buzzing with joy, and it felt surreal for everyone involved.
He emphasized that it’s not just about making money; it’s about sustainability and keeping the pub open for the community.
They also have plans for a small village shop and café, along with a prescription dispenser in partnership with the local GP surgery. This would really help the village’s older residents who need easy access to essentials.
John mentioned that having a place for people to meet during the day would be fantastic.
If anyone is interested in running the pub or knows someone who might be, they can reach out via email at chitternecombensoc@outlook.com.
The CCPG is still working on raising funds for the renovations and to pay off the loan. John added that anyone wanting to invest would be welcomed with open arms, and it’s a fun opportunity. More details can be found at www.chitternecbs.co.uk.