Wiltshire village saves pub for the community

Investors from Winterbourne Bassett and surrounding villages have succeeded in their efforts to buy their village pub, from Wadworth Brewery, to secure the future of this crucial community hub. The villagers formed the Winterbourne Bassett Community Pub Society and raised £450,000 through 51 private investors, a grant from the Plunkett Foundation and loans from Co-operative and Community Finance, to complete the purchase on the 8th March after the pub closed in October 2017.

The pub, formerly known as The White Horse Inn, will now undergo a programme of refurbishment and investment, including a new roof and kitchen. The pub will then reopen as a freehouse. The community has chosen a new name, ‘The Winterbourne’, and are actively searching for the right tenants to join them in this exciting new venture. For more details visit their website.

Pat Salter, Chair of the society, said “We have faced several challenges, but I am delighted to have the keys in my hand, to be able to start the refurbishment and re-open the pub as a freehouse as soon as possible. The investors have supported the committee all the way and are also now looking forward to giving practical help and being able to drink in their own pub. Once open we will welcome back locals, tourists and other visitors to enjoy good quality food and real ales and village activities”