So, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, up to 650 country pubs could close in the next year. They blame declining rural communities and a bad economy, but I think it’s got more to do with how little effort is put into making many local pubs a good place to spend time (and money!).

A local pub should be a home from home. The Bell has certainly been that in the past, when Pam was in charge, and this is what Lindsey and I would like it to be in the future. Not a place where you get a plate of mediocre ham and eggs, with surly service thrown in but a truly beautiful, local pub serving good food, where people can meet up and have a good time.

The first step is to secure the support of the community and the planning authority for the painstakingly crafted, conservation-led planning application we plan to submit this summer. Come along to see the plans at one of our community drop-ins, or use this blog to tell me what you think makes for a brilliant local pub.