The Crown
Gutted by fire in 2023, the Crown reopened in November 2025 thanks to a major restoration that gave the village of Fordham back its pub.
Lessee Tom Ward, industry newcomer and local entrepreneur seized the opportunity to implement an ambitious plan that would see the pub become a hub of activity for the surrounding communities, especially families, introducing an imaginative smokehouse menu and installing a play area, outdoor bar and barbecue in the garden.
The business has quickly established itself and a financial and social success – and there’s plenty more to come.
Border Terrier
Brightly decorated and always welcoming, the Border Terrier is the pub at the heart of the Marden housing estate.
Experienced local operators Janice Blacklock and her daughter Amanda Buchanan took on the lease in 2022 and have steadily built the North Shields business since, thanks to exceptional professional standards and a family approach that’s attracted a large band of regulars.
While the big screens tell you that it’s a big sports pub, a food menu with a great variety of home-cooked dishes has been hugely popular, and the Terrier is home to many clubs, groups and teams, from pool and darts to a golf society to history and art classes.
The Harp
A pretty little white-walled pub with an interesting history and spectacular views across marshlands to the north coast of Wales, the Harp is truly back on the map for the pub-lovers of Wirral, walkers on the coastal footpath and those who like a good sunset.
Lessee Julie Woolley, with the help of her keen cellarman partner, Fran has introduced fresh-cooked food, a strong line-up of cask ales and an outdoor bar for events that have packed out the large back garden.
Refurbishments inside and out have enhanced the character of the pub, and Woolley has made sure people know about the positive changes with a powerful social media campaign.
The Angel
While visitors throng Poole’s fashionable harbourside, those in the know prefer to do their drinking a few streets back at the Angel.
Since taking on the lease in 2019, Jo Reading and her partner Sean have worked hard through two changes of landlord to steadily build an all-wet business that’s the pub of choice for many residents in the town.
A smart and colourful new beer garden boosted trade through the summer, while the evenings host events and games, including live music every Saturday. Beer and cider festivals also contribute to a busy programme and regulars can look forward to trips to the races.
Ashmore Inn
The Ashmore could have been one of those pubs that are just too much trouble to run – until five years ago it found its perfect publican in local businesswoman Tina Wood. Since then, the all-wet house has gone from strength to strength, and was named Admiral’s Community Pub of the Year this summer – with good reason.
It’s now a vibrant social hub for residents on the estate in Wednesfield, and is home to many darts and pool teams as well as clubs and groups including a Monday session dedicated to people with learning difficulties.
The kitchen has been converted into a well-stocked food bank, including toys, and, thanks to social media, the pub’s charity initiatives have attracted support from around the world.
Chrystal Bell
It gets so busy in the Chrystal Bell some nights that a pair of heavy-duty air conditioners have been installed to cool down the clientele.
Since taking the Glasgow site over three years ago, experienced licensee Angela McKean has built it into a thriving party pub with a packed programme of entertainments from discos to karaoke to games evenings to TV sports. Celtic and Rangers fans all feel at home here!
She’s also made it a safe and welcoming space where anyone can drop by for a chat, and mobilises the regulars to give huge support to local charities – the pub is a collection point for clothes for homeless people, too.
