The share offer to raise funds to buy, refurbish and reopen The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, Wells, is now open (from Saturday, 5 April).

The Britannia Inn – or ‘the Brit’ as it was fondly known – closed in June 2021 when landlords Rob and Karen Rouse retired after 35 years. It has been empty ever since, and is currently for sale with the Caldecotte Group for £300,000.

The East Wells Community Benefit Society (CBS) was set up last year with the aim of buying the pub and re-establishing it at the heart of the local community. The community share offer is seeking to raise about £450,000 to pay for the purchase, and the repair and refurbishment work required. Applications for community shares in the East Wells CBS can be made online at www.savethebritanniainnwells.org .

Shares are priced at £1 each, with a minimum investment of £50, and a maximum of £25,000. The share offer is due to close on May 30, though if it fails to reach the initial target the East Wells CBS may decide to extend the offer for a further month. The Society’s Business Plan and Share Offer Prospectus are available to read at www.savethebritanniainnwells.org

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Multi award winning magazine now out and will soon be appearing in branch pubs

Pints West.

London Road's Last Pub – A planning application threatens to permanently close Chapter One (formerly Britannia, Piccadilly Alehouse, The Hive). Losing Chapter One would leave the entire length of London Road and the surrounding residential area without a single traditional pub. A pub is a vital community amenity and we believe that under a good landlord and a fair and manageable rent, this pub can be operated as a successful business once more.

Please consider objecting to this planning application and help us save Chapter One. https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=24%2F04619%2FFUL#details_Section

If you wish to comment please do so before 30 Jan 25

An update dated 29 November 24 has today (22 Dec) been provided by Nick Bosley ( Regional Review Team Leader)

"Further to my post of 21 October, here is an update of progress of the Regional Directors and their progress towards the strategic aims of the Regions Review.

Lunesdale (Yorkshire part) – agreed between RDs and branch members to be given choice as to whether they wish to transfer to Keighley and Craven or stay with the remainder of Lunesdale. Ready to seek approval of NE.

High Peak (Cheshire part) – awaiting a proposal.*

High Peak (Derbyshire part) – progressing and awaiting a proposal after all affected RDs discuss. *

Herts – Essex borders – unfortunately we have heard nothing from the RD in progressing this which is a shame as the branch have been very constructive in their approach. **

South Gloucestershire – an exception with minor changes at the boundary of Bristol (Bristol postcodes will remain in the South West region with the rest of South Gloucestershire remaining in West Central. The six remaining pubs, which are in South Central region, will transfer to South West.

South West Essex (London part) – a service email has been sent out to each member with a view to setting up a new branch (or sub branch).

Further recommendations to the NE are expected for Shakespeare branch in early December.

The next stage we are looking at are;

1. Kingston and Leatherhead – Team member with oversight Gary Timmins

2. South Derbyshire – Team member with oversight Gary Timmins

3. Rugby – Team member with oversight Gary Timmins

4. West Lancs – Team member with oversight Kevin Keaveny

5. Peterborough – Team member with oversight Ruth Sloan

6. Dumfries and Stewartry – Team member with oversight Nick Bosley

We will be looking for final recommendations from the RDs no later than 15 January 2025. Work on the final phase will start early January 2025.

Nick Bosley, Kevin Keaveny, Ian Packham, Ruth Sloan, Gary Timmins

* proposal received

** RD has been to the branch"

Oct update here Regional Review 21 Oct update.

We have received a number of queries about a potential 2025 Bath Beer & Cider Festival. We can announce that there are currently no plans to hold a festival in 2025.