The pub - a great British invention and now think of the perfect pub, a warm and cosy local, filled with friendly faces. Now imagine the cash you pay for every drink goes straight back into the local community.
Sounds too good to be true? Think again – these magical places really do exist. They are community-owned pubs; pubs purchased and co-operatively owned by the local community. And we have found some of the country's best!
Using the enthusiasm of local people, more and more communities are getting together to save their locals from closure by rallying round, raising money and purchasing the pub themselves. So why not support them, there may be one near you.....
Brighton, East Sussex, BN2
The Bevy is a community owned and run business with money coming from trusts, charities and grants
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5
Opened as the Hope Beer House in the 1870s, this pub got its mock-Tudor panelling between the wars. In 2010, closure loomed, but locals clubbed together and bought the lease (adding the freehold in 2015)
Slaley, Hexham, NE47
Community owned country pub situated in the heart of Slaley village in rural Northumberland. The Grade 2 listed building dates back to 1675 and has a traditional bar, separate dining room and accommodation.
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7
The first community owned pub in West Yorkshire. CAMRA Good Beer Guide, Halifax and Calderdale Pub of the Year 2019, Yorkshire runner-up Pub of the Year.
Bamford, Derbyshire, S33
The Anglers Rest is a unique and special place. In 2013 it became the first community pub in Derbyshire when it was purchased collectively by over 300 people. It is now run for the benefit of the community.
Wigton, Cumbria, CA7
The Old Crown is located in the picturesque Cumbrian village of Hesket Newmarket, on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park.The pub is owned by a co-operative of some 150 customers and supporters from the local and wider community.
Preston, Hitchin, SG4
Britain's first village / community owned pub. Award winning real ales & freshly sourced, beautifully prepared food. CAMRA Good Beer Guide & The Good Pub Guide.
Llan Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41
The Pengwern is an old drover's inn now owned and run by the community of Llan Ffestiniog. It is situated in the village square next to the church, overlooking the Vale of Ffestiniog, in the centre of Snowdonia National Park. A perfect base for exploring
Lower Somersham, Ipswich, IP8
When the doors of the Duke of Marlborough in Somersham, Suffolk, closed on Christmas Eve 2014, it seemed the pub would be lost forever. However, three years and much campaigning later, it's back up and running with brand new owners - the community.
Stoke Canon, Exeter, EX5
If there’s no one behind the bar when you arrive, chances are someone on your side will serve you, such is the fraternal nature of this compact village pub just outside Exeter.