Pubs re-opening

[welshman]

I would like to know if there have been many instances of pubs closing,re-opening and the re-opened pubs becoming successful.

[munrobasher]

The Vale in Bollington was closed when I moved to the town in 1995. It re-opened briefly sometime around 2003 but didn't do very well. It was then bought by Lee Wainwright who took it straight to one of the best real ale pubs in our branch. It won branch pub of the year during the 2nd year of Lee taking over and went into the GBG as soon as his track record was established.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Lee went one step further and opened Bollington Brewing Company a few years later which won a bronze award in CBOB this year. Lee's brother Kym is also closely involved with brewing day to day. I was fortunate enough to be invited to sample the very first beer on the bar.

Not satisfied with this, Lee, his wife Kirsten and the rest of the team have recently re-opened a SECOND pub in Macclesfield, the Park Tavern, earlier this year. Infamous as been the first pub in living memory sold by family brewer Robinsons who couldn't make a go of it. It's early days but the signs are positive and the beer quality, been mainly BBC beers, is excellent. It's in a densely populated area of Macclesfield and is generally been welcomed by the local residents. The old Park Tavern had a bit of a reputation.

Cheers, Rob.

[gordonsclyne]

My local, The John Of Gaunt in Kings Somborne, Hampshire, closed over a year ago, but is about to re-open (YAAAAAY!!!) April 13th, a friday, but we are not superstitious!
There is much work to be done to get it open, and the locals are pitching in. Can anyone tell me of places to go or people to get in touch with to celebrate this occasion,?? with pubs closing so regularly, its nice to see the reverse happening, and we expect it to be successful, but I'd like to get some ideas of how we, as a local community can better support the pub and get it back to being our hub. The lady who is re-opening it (Toni Simmonds) is really busy, but I was wondering if Camra or any viewers have any bright ideas or suggestions. Post 'em here.- Gordon

[Richard English]

Well, definely get in touch with your local Camra branch or branches. Details here - http://www.camra.org.uk/camraregions

[fishter]

Certainly very happy to hear that the JOG is reopening after the withdrawal of a planning application earlier in the year.

Drop me a line at contact@shantscamra.org.uk and we can try and arrange a social at the pub.

Graeme Hilton
Branch Secretary
Southern Hampshire CAMRA.

[shabbagaz]

The Continental in Preston is a very good example: http://www.newcontinental.net/home

Great pub in its day then went down hill and started attracting a 'bad crowd' before eventually closing.

It was eventually taken over about 4/5 years ago - it was fully revamped and has gone from strength to strength. It has won a number of Camra awards and regularly hosts live music, comedy and beer festivals.

Also a favourite of mine!