Summary
The meeting discussed the restoration and future management of the Seven Tuns, which closed in November 2023. David Beach, the new owner, aims to transform it into a thriving community pub with potential additions like a microbrewery and a coffee shop. Plans include expanding the kitchen, restoring fireplaces, and adding bedrooms. The lease will likely be long-term, with negotiations ongoing. The community was encouraged to provide feedback on desired amenities and activities. The project emphasizes commercial viability and community engagement, with plans to involve local advisors and leverage council support for water issues. The goal is to create a welcoming, vibrant pub that serves both locals and visitors.
Outline
Introduction and Background of the Seven Towns Action Group
STAG’s Chair Patricia Langley discusses the frantic preparations for Christmas and thanks everyone for attending the event.
• The journey began two years ago with the closure of the pub in November 2023, following almost a decade of closures.
• STAG has worked to persuade the Wellington pub company to sell the pub, which has now happened, and the pub is under new ownership.
• Patricia Langley introduces Mr. David Beach, the new owner, and hands over the meeting to him.
David Beach’s Vision for the Pub
• David Beach thanks everyone for attending and expresses his commitment to restoring the pub to a good Country Park.
• He mentions his involvement six to nine months ago and the sadness of not having a pub, especially next door to his part-time villager family.
• David has appointed a planning company and is about to appoint an architect, aiming to restore the pub and find someone with a track record to run it on a long lease.
• He discusses the challenges faced with Wellington’s unwillingness to grant a lease and the plans to invest money into the pub’s restoration.
Planning and Renovation Plans
• David outlines the need for several planning applications, including expanding the kitchen and restoring fireplaces.
• He mentions the possibility of adding bedrooms upstairs and combining the pub with a bed and breakfast or more room downstairs.
• Speaker 3 asks about the increase in the pub’s footprint, and David discusses potential expansions, including a conservatory room.
• Speaker 4 inquires about the re-roofing job, and David explains that it will depend on the planning process and the condition of the building.
Community Input and Support
• Speaker 5 asks about the cost of the lease, and David mentions it will likely be similar to the past but will be a loss-maker for him.
• David discusses the idea of offering a varied menu, including traditional comfort foods and higher-level options.
• Speaker 4 asks about leveraging the council for water problems, and David mentions the possibility of council assistance.
• Patricia Langley suggests investigating water outflow issues next summer as part of the renovation works.
Additional Facilities and Community Engagement
• David mentions plans for a shop and a coffee and cake shop, possibly a microbrewery, depending on the leaseholder.
• Speaker 9 suggests advertising to attract people from outside the village, and David agrees, aiming to make the food good enough to attract people from Cheltenham and other places.
• Speaker 10 emphasizes the importance of creating the right atmosphere and community space, mentioning the Skittle alley room as a popular place in the past.
• Patricia Langley discusses the idea of having a prescription pickup point and a parcel pickup point to add to the pub’s community services.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
• David reiterates the importance of community input and support in the planning process, mentioning the possibility of a formal letter with signatures.
• Patricia Langley explains the normal procedure for publishing plans on the local authority’s website and the importance of community feedback.
• Speaker 9 emphasizes the need for support from both the village and people from outside to ensure the pub’s success.
• Patricia Langley thanks everyone for their support and contributions, expressing gratitude for the sense of community and caring in the village.