Pubs have been an integral part of British life for centuries, bringing communities together and providing a welcoming watering hole for generations of families. Local pubs are at the heart of community life – a place to eat, drink and forge new friendships.
When Whitaker Seager heard residents in Chalford were rallying together to protect the Old Neighbourhood inn from permanent closure, we just had to show our support.
Nationally, the number of licensed premises in the UK is falling, and local people are doing everything they can to ensure the future of their pub, which has been a much-loved feature in Chalford Hill since the 1860s.
Residents have set up the Chalford Hill Community Benefit Group in a bid to raise over £400,000 to buy the pub and bring it into community ownership. Whitaker Seager is strongly supporting the cause by making a donation towards this target.
Why we are backing the campaign
Whitaker Seager firmly believe pubs have many benefits for the local community, including:
- Social engagement – They provide a friendly environment where people from all backgrounds can come together.
- Promoting wellbeing – A welcoming pub fosters wellbeing and helps prevent loneliness and isolation, especially among older people in the community.
- Fostering friendships – Strong friendships among people of all ages are often forged in pubs, as people come together over shared interests and passions.
- Supporting the local economy – Pubs provide jobs for local people, and brewers and pubs across the country give the economy a massive boost.
- Hosting community events – Regular events such as quizzes and charity fundraisers bring people together in a fun and meaningful way.
- Networking – Pubs are great places to connect with professionals with all kinds of expertise. If you need a local plumber, for example, someone will be able to put you in touch with one!
How pubs can benefit the property market
Many home buyers are keen to find properties near a good local pub as they see this as a major advantage. Before putting in an offer on a property, it’s a good idea to visit the local pub to get a feel for community life.
Here are a few reasons why we believe a local pub is good for the property market:
- At the heart of the community – The local pub is a great place for new residents to meet people, make new friends and find out about community life.
- Walking distance – A good pub within walking distance is an attractive prospect for home buyers who are keen to ditch the car and lower their carbon footprint.
- Family-friendly – Home buyers who enjoy eating out are attracted to child-friendly pubs serving great food at good prices. Local pubs also provide a meeting place for teenagers over 18 (meaning their parents don’t have to taxi them around!).
- Wining and Dining – When family and friends come to stay, property owners can take them to their local pub for a drink or meal in a cosy setting, whether celebrating a family event or a significant milestone or just catching up.
- A boost for house sales – Good local pubs are an attractive pull for many home buyers, which has a positive effect on house sales in the area.
Here at Whitaker Seager we are super excited to support the community bid to buy the Old Neighbourhood and protect it for future generations.
Director Liz Whitaker said: “We recognise the importance of saving this wonderful pub which has been at the heart of the community for so many years. Whitaker Seager are keen to support our local community and are making a donation accordingly. We will further support the group by placing our boards outside the shareholders’ houses, with their permission, to spread the word about this exciting community bid.”
To find out how you can help, visit https://theoldneighbourhood.co.uk/