Locals at the Cross Guns Inn pub in Pant have arranged a meeting to discuss ways to keep community activities going whilst the pub is closed.
The pub has been closed for a while now and while Admiral Taverns are looking for new management to take it over, there’s a void for locals.
Said Sean one of the ‘Friends of the Cross Guns’: “Many of us miss the pub, good beer and meeting fellow villagers. Although we have a number of other excellent local pubs nearby, nothing beats having a local at the heart of the community.”
Recently, Pant Memorial Hall has hosted events put on by members of the community including quiz and bingo nights. These have been very successful raising much needed funds for charities including Mind and the restoration of the Montgomery canal.
The idea behind the meeting is to see if a more regular series of events can be put on while the pub is closed.
Added Sean: “It’s not the intention to compete with other pubs but rather to make sure that there are local events that people can get to easily to be part of the community.”
Members of the group have already suggested other events that could be arranged in a ‘Pop-Up Pub’ format and the meeting will investigate which ones might be viable and achievable.
“We are looking at holding events perhaps once a month to start with, but if enough volunteers come forward, this could be increased – it’s all down to the local community,” said Sean.
If anyone knows of someone who might be interested in taking on the lease of the pub, Admiral Taverns would like to hear from them. A spokesperson said: “We are currently recruiting for a passionate new licensee to take over this fantastic community pub to ensure it can reopen as soon as possible and remain at the heart of Pant. For anyone interested, please give us a call on 01244 321 171.”
The pub has had a number of licensees over the past decade or so and villagers are hoping the next licensee can reopen the pub as the heart of the community.
Anyone interested in attending the meeting on Thursday 9 October at Pant Memorial Hall can find out more details in the Friends of the Cross Guns Facebook group.