We've Acquired the Pub and are Conducting Essential Works

We Did It!

The Ashendon Community Pub Society is thrilled to have become proud keyholders of our cherished Village pub - Just in time to welcome you in for a drink this Christmas season. What an achievement! Congratulations to all our shareholders and supporters who have helped make this milestone a reality. We have come a long way together, overcoming many challenges to reach this historic moment.

We’re on a Journey…

Now, a new chapter begins as we commence our work to return our pub to a thriving social hub. Our pub, having been unoccupied for two years, requires significant attention. It is in the early restoration phase and by early December, we expect to have completed essential works which include fixing leaks, a good clean-up, replacing cellar and bar pumps, replacing the dray (beer delivery) door, upgrading electrical and fire protection systems, improving wheelchair accessibility, window repairs, essential decoration, and laying a new bar floor. 

Phase 1 - Bar Opening

Our priority is to reopen the bar and welcome our community for a celebratory drink or two. Stay tuned on Facebook ‘Ashendon Community Pub’ and our website, ashendoncps.com for opening times and events. Our plan is to open the bar on:

-        Thursday & Friday evenings

-        Saturday all-day

-        Sunday afternoons

Carol Singing & Christmas Auction on 14th December We invite Ashendon and neighbouring villages to join us for our first event. So, please come along for this extra special festive evening to get us all in the mood for Christmas and to raise funds for pub improvements.

Introducing our Interim Manager

While we seek tenants for the long term, we’re thrilled that Sue Cummings, a familiar face in the village, has kindly agreed to manage the pub in the short term. Sue & her husband, Liam, bring extensive pub management experience at one of the UK's largest brewers. They took on the brand’s struggling establishments and successfully revived them as profitable establishments. They have been busy getting ready to open the doors, so, come and say ‘hello’ this December when we announce we are open.

Pub Tenancy Our business model is a tenancy model whereby we appoint experienced publicans to operate the pub. We're seeking quality-driven and community-minded tenants to recreate a welcoming environment for destination and local visitors. This is an exciting opportunity with very favourable terms, great commercial potential, and support. If you know anyone who might be interested, please direct them to ashendoncps.com.

Can You Help the Pub Garden Tidy-Up Team?

Paul Horwood has kindly taken on leadership of our Pub Garden Working Group. He is hosting various Garden Tidy-Up sessions. If you can lend a hand, contact semaldonado99@gmail.com.  Your support will make a big difference. Thank you!

A Call for Further Financial Support to Add Dining and B&B

While we surpassed the minimum target to save the pub, we remain at least £50,000 short of our optimum target.  We continue to fundraise to undertake a kitchen refit and to reopen the bedrooms, among other work.  We welcome your support through various avenues:

·       Welcoming donations

·       Exploring sponsorship opportunities – e.g. pub sign.

·       Pursuing further grants to support refurbishments

·       Hosting fundraising events

·       Offers of work contributions from registered trades

·       Opening a waiting list for future share purchases during a designated Share Purchase

Are you interested in any of the above? Amazing! Email us at ACPSLcommittee@gmail.com