Community Benefit Society
In May 2020 it became clear that the New Inn in Halse was likely to close in just three months time going the way of many of the country’s once thriving village pubs. A group of interested locals formed a steering group to examine the feasibility of purchasing the pub and revamping it so it could trade profitably (with any profit going back into the cachment). Following extensive consultation, surveys and local feedback it became clear that not only was it feasible but also desirable (to save the pub) to many residents, not just of Halse but also Ash Priors and Fitzhead.
The Halse and District Community Benefit Society (CBS – view our rules here) was thus created , specifically to act as the legal medium by which the pub could be purchased. Its constitution made it clear that the pub should be not just owned but also run by and for the benefit of the local population. Membership of the society remains open to not just local residents but to all who are prepared to invest in the pub. Get the latest share offer application document by clicking the “Download Latest Share Offer” box below.
The benefits to the local community of going down this route were many, including The last remaining amenity in the area remaining open, provision of a a café, delivery of ready meals and take away meals, local artists supported by art displays of their work to mention a few but the real value has been to retain it as a friendly meeting place for all in our locality
It is a pub run by members of the community (and in this case also owned by them) as a benefit to the local community. The members are shareholders, all of whom have an equal share of ownership of the pub.
The Halse & District Community Benefit Society.
Initially some 200 shareholders put up the money to buy and refurbish the pub.
Trading profits from the pub are to be used for the benefit of the community.
Lucy Faulkner, Kaan Atasoy (Head Chef), Serena Spiller (General Manager & Front of house) and their team are employed by the Society to run the pub.
If you have any comments concerning the running of the pub, or the service you have received please let us know. The person to contact is Mike Davis: [email protected]
Here are some reviews:
(Google) Thank you New Inn for looking after my clients. They were extremely impressed with everything, staff, service, food and joining them for dinner was superb as well. Serena you are a credit to the industry, thank you. (Jun 2026)
(Google) We went here for lunch today. There were 13 of us so we pre-ordered our food with special instructions for the people with picky eating habits. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The food came out all at once and the special requests had been seen to. The food was wonderful everyone really enjoyed every morsel. The portions were very generous and well presented. I can’t recommend this place enough it’s really worth a visit. (Apr 2026)
(Trip Advisor) We were staying in the village as a large family for my mother‘s 80th birthday. We booked for lunch on the Saturday and there were 21 of us. We popped in on the Friday night for a drink and the place was packed. It was so lovely to see and what an amazing atmosphere everybody was very friendly and even though they didn’t know who we were, we were made to feel incredibly welcome by everybody. We cannot fault anything about this place, Serena and the team were absolutely amazing from contact whilst booking, sorting out menu choices and we were all amazed that with 21 of us we were still given the full menu to choose from. They allowed us to take a cake and we put balloons on the table for my mother. This was the most incredible lunch with her family around her and service was superb. The food was absolutely delicious and for a large party of 21 which was happening at the same time as a baby shower in another room everything came out on time, together and delicious. We did have to question the bill when we got it, but this was because we could not believe the value for money for everything that we had had. Makes me wish I lived closer than four hours away 🥰 An absolute tribute to a wonderful community, thank you. Feb 2026 • Family
Become Involved: Be part of owning a pub – become a shareholder for just £100 – contact Mark Ellis: [email protected]
Volunteers are an integral part of running the pub. If you are interested in joining us please contact Ian Walker [email protected]