The Patriots Arms reopens its doors and new management are thrilled with community response.
They reopened on December 16th, and locals were very happy to have it back. Business is going well for them, and they are happy with the progress so far.
They plan to open the kitchen soon and fix up the beer garden for summer. David mentioned the local support, especially how busy Christmas was after they opened. January slowed down a bit after that, but now business is picking up again.
The kitchen is getting fitted now and should come together pretty quickly. Claire’s dad is building bench seats, and they will order tables soon after that. Next, they will work on the garden area, hoping it’s ready by Easter.
People gave really positive feedback, saying it feels like a community pub. The new decor is well liked by many, who like the clean, nice feel.
David and Claire are enjoying being in the pub. They knew it would be hard work, but they are happy with how things are working. The renovation is ongoing now, and the pub stays open during changes.
They are planning some events too, including an Easter trail and magic show. A local band is scheduled to play on April 11th.
Before, the pub faced some hard times, closing in 2023. Jane and Graeme Jeapes then took over it, but they closed it on September 30th due to money troubles.
David grew up near the pub and wanted to give it a chance. He knew it meant so much to locals, and he realized many wanted it reopened too. He remembers going there as a child, so it’s special to run a loved pub.
They want to give the village theirs back because the neglect was hard for them all to see. Claire said the pub was in “shocking” shape. The previous owner left it dirty, so they had to clean up lots of rubbish, but they saw its potential and had a vision.