A group of villagers in Haddenham has come together to save the historic Rose and Thistle pub. The pub, which has served the village since the 18th century has been closed since the pandemic, is currently up for sale, and at risk of being converted into a residential property.
The group has formed a Community Benefit Society called “Haddenham Community Public House Limited” which has the sole intention of buying, refurbishing and reopening the Rose and Thistle as a community pub. To fund this, they need to raise £750,000
with the majority of funding from the sale of community shares, with a minimum investment of £100 and a maximum investment of £100,000.
Local Councillor and Chair of the group, Greg Smith said: “The vision is for the Rose and Thistle to be reborn as a vibrant, inclusive community hub; a place where everyone comes together to forge friendships over food and drink. The pub will offer restaurant-quality food, a beer garden with a children’s play area, a function room, dedicated parking, and access to nearby countryside walking
routes. This will bring something unique to Haddenham and, particularly given the projected growth of the village, has the potential to be a thriving business.”
Alex Foreman-Peck, Treasurer of the Group, said: “We’re building on the strong legacy of community ownership in Haddenham, with many in the team involved in the successful purchase of our community greengrocers, Blooming Fruity. Investors will be supporting a
business that directly supports the local community through jobs, services and events. Community pubs demonstrate a remarkable 99% five-year survival rate, benefiting from built in customer loyalty that make them resilient. Community pubs are democratic with every shareholder having an equal say in the direction of the pub, ensuring the Rose and Thistle will be adaptable to the changing
needs of our growing village.”
Haddenham MP, Greg Smith said:“ Pubs are an essential backbone of rural life, not least in villages like Haddenham. Village pubs are people places, where everyone can come together, particularly those living alone who would otherwise be isolated at home. That’s why I am pleased to back the campaign to see the Rose & Thistle Reborn and bring this great village pub back to life in Haddenham.”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “A busy and successful pub boosts the local economy, creates jobs and supports supply chains from grain to glass. I’m delighted to see the team in Haddenham pulling together to stop last orders
at their village pub and preserve it as a community hub for generations to come.”
Support for the campaign so far has been overwhelming with nearly £20,000 raised £10,000 in pre-launch share purchases and £10,000 from fundraising events. The group will continue fundraising throughout the summer with a series of “Pop-Up-Pubs”
including at Haddenham Gates on 10 May and Haddenham Village Fete on 13 June.
Local celebrities, such as singing superstar, Tony Hadley, and radio and TV presenter, Ken Bruce, have thrown their support behind the campaign:
Tony Hadley said: “I am wholeheartedly supporting the community of Haddenham in trying to get The Rose & Thistle back open again. It’s a cracking pub and we have to preserve our village and small-town pubs.”
Ken Bruce said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the community campaign to bring The Rose & Thistle pub back to
life in Haddenham.”
Living up to its name, the Rose and Thistle is also favourite with the rugby community as England and Saracens, Ben Earl, and Chinnor RFC First XV Captain, Luke Carter, are also helping to save the pub:
Ben Earl said: “I hope The Rose and Thistle team gets the support and funds they need to get this project off the ground.”
Luke Carter said: “I wish the Rose & Thistle all the best in getting the support they need to get the pub back and opened in Haddenham. We at Chinnor RFC Thame are all behind you!”
Crowdfunding
Here's the crowdfunding link
