First community-owned pub on housing estate to re-open
Locals fought to save the Bevy in Brighton, raising much of the necessary £200,000 themselves, alongside regular ‘work-ins’ that saw volunteers give up their time to fit out the pub.
The former Bevendean Hotel closed in 2010, leaving thousands of residents miles from their nearest local. More than 700 people purchased ‘community shares’ and are now owners — the most of any co-op pub in the country.
It will re-open tomorrow (13 December).
Committee chair Warren Carter said: “This is without doubt the longest I have ever waited to be served in a pub! Through sheer determination, bloody-mindedness and numerous meetings, we’ve finally realised our dream — and the Bevy can be a blueprint of how to run pubs up and down the country.”
Bevy manager Chris Pobjoy said: “With so many pubs shutting, it’s fantastic to see a vibrant, community owned and led pub about to open and I’m honoured to have been appointed to lead it.
"It’s a beautiful building that has been lovingly restored and it’s going to be an amazing space for everyone to enjoy. From young families coming in for a coffee or a bite of lunch to old-timers coming in for a beer at the end of the day, it really is going to serve the whole community. I can’t wait to pull my first pint!”
