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Bars (Drinking establishments)

Community Rallies Around Village Pub, Raises £50,000 to Save It

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Monika Zakrzewska and her partner Nathan took over The Three Horseshoes Inn in Peterston-Super-Ely, a village in Wales, in January 2023. However, 12 months later, the brewery that owned the pub decided to sell it, leaving the couple in a difficult position as they couldn't afford to buy it themselves. The community rallied around the pub and, through a fundraiser, raised more than £50,000, allowing Monika and Nathan to buy the pub. The pub has become a thriving community hub, hosting events, fundraisers, and summer festivals, and often features live music and entertainment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The community in Peterston-Super-Ely came together to raise over £50,000 to buy the village pub, The Three Horseshoes Inn, which was sold by the brewery that owned it.
  • Monika Zakrzewska, the owner of the pub, had taken over the business with her partner Nathan in January 2023, but they couldn't afford to buy it when the brewery decided to sell.
  • The fundraiser, which included a GoFundMe page, was launched by Monika as a way to raise money to buy the pub, and the community responded amazingly, with the target amount being exceeded.
  • The pub has become a community hub, hosting events, fundraisers, and summer festivals, and often featuring live music and entertainment.
  • Monika has also bought three alpacas, named Louis, Vee, and Tom, for the field next to the pub, and is planning to launch afternoon teas and meet-and-greets with them.
  • Alex Kurtz-Shefford, a commercial property solicitor, led the takeover and commented on the complexity of the funding model and the need for anti-money laundering checks.
  • Upon buying the pub, Monika and Nathan gained flexibility and are now serving their own beers and spirits, operating as a free-house.

Statistics:

  • £50,000: The amount raised by the community through a fundraiser to buy the village pub, The Three Horseshoes Inn.
  • 12 months: The time it took for the community to raise the money to buy the pub.
  • £0: The amount Monika and Nathan could afford to pay for the pub initially.
  • 3: The number of alpacas bought for the field next to the pub, named Louis, Vee, and Tom.

Sources:

  • Monika Zakrzewska
  • Nathan
  • Alex Kurtz-Shefford, commercial property solicitor for Peter Lynn and Partners
  • The Three Horseshoes Inn, Peterston-Super-Ely
  • GoFundMe

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