The New Inn in Halse has now been in community ownership for 5 years, the community having bought and run it since it faced closure in 2020. Despite the dire climate in the hospitality sector during these years, the pub has gone from strength to strength. This is due entirely to the support we are getting from you. If we were not supported by your repeat business we would probably not be here now as evidenced by the many other pubs which are closing because they can’t make a living. The New Inn (like many community pubs) seems to be bucking this trend. This trading year we will show a slight profit. Why is that when others are showing losses? Probably due to a variety of factors such as:
Our team making it an enjoyable experience which encourages repeat visits, (we wouldn’t be able to provide this “enjoyable experience” for clients without first rate staff). Having over 270 shareholders who feel a sense of ownership and perhaps therefore use us more often.. Having volunteers for certain functions, keeping cost down. Providing what locals want (over 34 clubs now use the New Inn regularly). Providing entertainment in a variety of ways to meet most villagers needs. Provision of a cafe undoubtedly attracts different/additional clientele. A first class food offering brings people in from further afield. All of these and more go in to our success.
We all understand that with the closure of Halse, Ash Priors and Fitzhead post offices and their village shops (many years ago) along with the lack of a regular bus service to the villages the New Inn now remains the sole place for impromtu meetings and therefore most of us support it lest we loose this too. The churches and village halls provide a vital amenity for scheduled meetings and long should this continue but it is the New Inn which seems to becoming the hub in the area. The New Inn management team recognizes the value of these other village institutions and realizes is must work closely with them all to keep our little bit or rurality from withering and so we are seeing more and more joint functions.
We are now celebrating our 5 year anniversary and invite you to join us at one of the functions planed for early October 2025. Please have a look at our planned events on the pub website. They are also advertised on facebook, instagram and twitter.
