A determined community in Wiltshire has launched an initiative to save the 17th century Ivy Inn at Heddington, which has become renowned for its craft ales.
The pub’s closure followed Wadworth Brewery’s decision to put it up for sale in July 2024, sparking an immediate response from locals and the community group, “Friends of The Ivy”.
The Ivy Inn has been listed as an Asset of Community Value until 2029, making it highly unlikely that any application for a change of use, such as turning it into housing, would be successful.
Innovative fundraising efforts
The Friends of The Ivy are in the process of finalising a share scheme, which would allow individuals to invest a minimum of £100 into the pub.
However, negotiations regarding the sale are still ongoing.
According to the group, a significant challenge is the Labour Government’s recent halt of the Community Ownership Fund, which previously matched funds raised by communities to save their local pubs and transform them into community hubs.
Chairman of the Friends of the Ivy, Dr Paul Moyle-Harris, described this decision as “a big blow, making life far harder for us and for other groups nationwide trying to save community pubs”.
He noted the fund had provided substantial financial support in other cases, with some pubs receiving up to £300,000, which would have “more or less, have bought the Ivy” .
Dr Moyle-Harris also affirmed the community’s resilience: “We have a never-say-die spirit here in Wiltshire and will battle on through”.
The group has also suggested alternative ways the Government could support community pubs, such as exempting them from alcohol duty or national insurance rate rises.
Moyle-Harris added: “These pubs are owned by the people for the people which is why our slogan is Real Community, Real Ales, Real Wiltshire”
Plans for revitalisation
The Ivy Inn is in need of significant renovation work, including rewiring, replumbing, damp-proofing and improvements to the kitchen and toilets. This would require an investment exceeding £225,000 once the purchase is fully complete .
To encourage this investment, the Friends of the Ivy are establishing the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, offering a 50% income tax reduction in the same year for investments of £10,000 or more .
Investments under £10,000 will be eligible for a 33% tax rebate under the Enterprise Investment Scheme .
The group have many plans for the pub, including a farm shop, offering essential produce to villagers.
A survey conducted in 2024 revealed strong community support for saving the pub, with 91% of respondents rating a village pub as important or very important, and half expressing a desire for live music at the Ivy.
Moyle-Harris emphasised the aim to “reinstate that reputation and restore The Ivy as a destination pub for people from across Wiltshire and further afield.”
Highlighting its location in “brilliant countryside surrounded by walks and cycle rides”, he added the community was “poised and ready for action to not only save The Ivy but to turn it into something special.”
While acknowledging “it will take time to save the Ivy,” Moyle-Harris expressed confidence: “We are determined to see it through and know it will be well worth all the time and effort in the end”
