Villagers in Iden are now the official owners of The Bell after a mammoth community effort to buy the pub.
The keys were handed over on Friday 13 March following a hugely successful campaign that’s raised hundreds of thousands of pounds through a share offer.
The Bell has been closed since June 2023, but the local team behind the purchase hope to see it re-open later this year.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the project so far,” said a spokesperson for The Bell. “Particularly our shareholders, donors and supporters who made the purchase possible. Our focus now turns to the next stage of the project: progressing the refurbishment works needed to bring the building back into use and working towards reopening the pub as soon as possible.”
Robert Cockayne, regional valuations manager for Sidney Phillips, handled the sale and said it was a vote of confidence in The Bell. “The sale demonstrates that, despite the current challenging economic environment, pubs hold a special place in the heart of local communities. This important sale underpins the future of a vital village asset for generations to come. I am delighted that The Bell will be remaining as a public house and am excited to see the finished project once refurbishment works are completed.”
Image Credits: Hugh Kermode .