Halse saved The New Inn pub. Community effort tripled turnover and boosted local economy, offering jobs and support.
The New Inn’s story started in 2020 when the Halse society formed to save the pub. Michael Davis led the fundraising efforts because they needed money to buy and fix it up.
Michael said they now have 250 shareholders, most of whom live in Halse and love the village. He emphasized that they saved history, not just a pub.
Rural pubs are closing at an alarming pace, but Halse acted very quickly to save theirs. They agreed to buy it in nine weeks, and only six weeks later, it was community-owned.
Covid made the old tenant leave. Michael said they talked about buying it, and the village loved the idea. Rich people supported them early on, which gave them the confidence to proceed.
Some might wonder why they bothered. Michael explained that pubs are vital in the countryside as a café, restaurant, and meeting spot. The pub hosts events and offers jobs where young people start working. It is where the village gathers, and losing it means losing connection and heritage.
The New Inn struggled before it closed because years of neglect hurt the business. Covid then delivered the final blow. Now, the community owns it, and it’s thriving.
Michael said their turnover tripled, which shows what happens with community focus.
Saving it was still challenging, of course, because old buildings have hidden problems. Michael joked about a rotten beam and how refurbishment cost more than planned. However, lockdown really did work to their advantage since they could improve things properly at the same time. Fundraising was also hard, but they persisted and simply asking people for help worked well.
Michael asked if they wanted to save the pub because house prices could drop if it closed. He also noted that taxpayers could get some money back, and that incentive unlocked more funds.
The pub also got a £50,000 grant from a Somerset foundation. The money helped transform a skittle alley, for example.
Despite problems, the New Inn has grown. Covid, inflation, and chefs were hard, but Michael especially likes the local impact. He said they gave local kids first jobs, helped workers grow, and even helped five Ukrainian refugees find work. The pub brings people together uniquely.
Now, the New Inn wants to keep evolving and continue serving the village.
Michael says they built food and atmosphere, winning awards and recognition, It’s about a welcoming place for everyone with quizzes, music, and drinks. What food sums up Halse? Fish and chips, without a doubt, those are a firm favorite, folks!
Michael is proud and realistic about it all. This revival is about a lasting future. They built exactly that here. He said there were tough times for sure, but seeing the pub thrive has made it worthwhile. He will celebrate with a Guinness, which fits the steady pub and its new life. Cheers to that great outcome!