Community saves Hampshire pub

The Plough Inn, a popular village pub located in the countryside village of Longparish in Hampshire, has been bought by the local parish council, with the backing of community group Plough Ahead.

It will now be leased by the parish council to Plough Ahead, which was formed by a group of Longparish residents in 2018 to raise funds to buy and restore the inn, returning it to the local community. Funds to refurbish and run the pub have been raised by selling shares to local residents and supporters further afield. 

Prior to closing its doors in December 2015, The Plough Inn was a well-known and successful destination pub, with a reputation for high quality food. In its recent heyday, the pub was owned by Great British Menu chef James Durrant.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to reclaim our beautiful pub and are really looking forward to bringing it back to life for the benefit of the whole village, as both a pub and community hub," says Andy Jolliffe, chair of the Plough Ahead group. "Our plan now is to refurbish it and be ready to reopen by the end of June. Ultimately, we want to create a fantastic rural pub with craft beers and local spirits, along with a great quality restaurant that serves excellent pub food, with two or three smart, comfortable bedrooms for overnight guests, plus create new community facilities alongside. It will be a challenge, but one that we will all relish.”

The sale was completed by Christie & Co.