Community pub campaigners at Broadwindsor signed the tenancy agreement for the White Lion Inn this week.
It took effect on Monday, 14th February and means that the Palmers Brewery-owned pub will become a community pub now that almost £50,000 has been raised through public donations and grant funding.
White Lion management committee chairman David Leader said: ‘Signing the agreement is such a significant milestone in our quest to open up the pub again for the community. It’s great news.’
He also announced that the new manager of the White Lion will be Kate Staff, who will be supported in running the pub by her daughters, Chloe and Louise.
‘We’re very pleased to appoint Kate and her daughters and look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.’
Kate, whose parents live locally and is well-known in the village for the imaginatively decorated cakes she creates for charity, said: ‘We are very excited to be part of this great project. We have family ties to Broadwindsor and have spent a considerable amount of time in the village over the last eight years and just love being here.
Our vision is to make The White Lion the hub of Broadwindsor, where people can come and feel at home, whether it be for food, drink or just a chat – everyone will be welcome.
As manager, I will be working alongside The White Lion Management Committee to make this a very successful venture. We look forward to making new friends and being a permanent part of this fantastic community.’
The pub, which is in the heart of the village, closed last summer after the tenants took over a pub in Somerset.
Unable to find a landlord to take The White Lion over, Palmers approached Broadwindsor Group Parish Council to see if the community would be interested in running it.
David Leader, who is the Parish Council’s vice-chairman, put together a group to explore the idea and then put it to the village at a public meeting.
A Crowdfunder appeal raised £34,760 with 337 supporters in 28 days. Further funding came from the parish council, Palmers, grants and other donations from the public. The money will be used to renovate the bar area, purchase kitchen equipment and supply working capital. It is hoped that the pub will be open in time for Easter.
The aim is to be modestly profitable but not for private profit. The White Lion will offer food and drink with an emphasis on local produce. We will strive to create a warm, friendly atmosphere and want the pub to be a hub for the community to visit, meet in and carry out as many community activities as possible.
Locals are being invited to an open evening at the pub on Wednesday 23rd February, from 6-8pm, to look around the bar and hear about the refurbishment plans for a revitalised White Lion.
Said David Leader: ‘The local community and people further afield have been so supportive of the project. The response has been incredible. Locals have wholeheartedly embraced the idea of a community pub. There is still lots of work to be done but we’re looking forward to opening the doors and being able to welcome people inside The White Lion once again.’
Chris & Susannah Newall have left the White Lion Management committee which now comprises:
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