The Queens Head public house is now closed and for sale, with an uncertain future ahead. We believe community-ownership will secure and revive the pub for future generations. Read about the campaign.

Our Community Pub

Brings us together

For a village pub to work, it needs unwavering local support and shared ownership helps build this. We won’t all agree every detail, but together a great pub can be built from compromise.

Prevents development

Without a community bid, we can expect to spend the next decade fighting developers for planning permission, and the inevitable loss and subdivision of the spacious garden. Developers know community resistance eventually runs out.

Re-invests in the community

Excluding rent, recent tenancies would have run a surplus. However with roughly forty thousands pounds a year leaving the village to corporate HQ, the pub has been unsustainable. Re-investing these sums into the building and garden will make it better for all.

Is the approach that delivers

The Railway (Saffron Walden), The Green Man (Thriplow), the Hare and Hounds (Harlton), the Plough & Fleece (Horningsea), The Three Tuns (Guilden Morden) are all community owned. Read for case studies.

Fund Raising Progress

Fundraising Goal: £350,000
Join 411 individuals in pledging to buy one or more shares in the pub.
Total £50 shares pledged 7,000.
Total amount pledged £350,000.
Approximately 100% of the way there!

How are Pledges Counted?
Pledges have been made by those completing the Short Pledge form (left) or by the longer Questionnaire, questions 9 and 10. If entering a number of shares or total pledge, we have used that directly. If the number was left blank, however 'Yes, as a shareholder' was ticked, then we count this as a single share pledge of £50. If a range of shares was expressed, we have taken the halfway point.

How has the Goal been set?
We have taken the required shareholder funds from our business plan, which has estimates for working capital requirements, likely purchase value, available grants, mortgage and loans. There is uncertainty in this figure, we will refine it as our model improves.

I'd like to change my pledge
Please pop a short email over to chris@littleburypub.co.uk and let him know the new amount (in multiples of £50 shares) and the total will be updated.

Latest Update - Jan 7, 2025

Our bid was unsuccessful

Dear supporters,

Greene King has finally replied to our ‘best and final bid’ for the Queens Head made back on the 13th December. Unfortunately, at 4:43pm yesterday they notified us that they had just accepted a ‘stronger proposal’ from another party.

On enquiry, Greene King’s agent ‘wholeheartedly believes` that the purchaser will retain it as a Public House. If we do learn more we will let you know. As other groups have found this does not always mean the end, as the purchase may fall through or be sold on.

Meanwhile the group will work with the Parish Council on ensuring that the ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV) status is renewed upon expiry as it is an important legal protection for us all. We as a campaign group will continue until the new owner takes over to ensure the best outcome for the village. Beyond this we look forward to welcoming the new owners to Littlebury.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for helping us get this far with your pledges, support, and enthusiasm for our campaign.

Chris, Jonathan, Martyn, Nikhil, Tom & the Committee

See all updates »

Downloads

Littlebury Community Pub - Pledge Key Terms document

Pledge Key Terms