Community saves pub from calling last orders

15 hours ago

Joshua AskewSouth East

News image — Shiv Lewis is the landlady of the community pub in Redhill

Supplied A woman smiles holding some large keys. — Shiv Lewis is the landlady of the community pub in Redhill

A Surrey community has clubbed together to save its local pub.

Redhill's Garibaldi pub was run on a non-profit basis by volunteers who leased the building, but the property's owner opted to put it up for sale in 2024.

The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC says it has officially brought the freehold of the 150-year-old pub, following a fundraising campaign.

Manager Shiv Lewis told the BBC she was "hugely relieved" the group had purchased the pub.

"It's been really a positive time after a long uphill struggle.

"We can continue doing what we love to do at the Garibaldi, and also keep our jobs," she continued.

Supplied The outside of an English pub on a sunny day. — The Garibaldi pub was due to be put up for auction in 2024

Lewis added that the Garibaldi was a "special pub with a big community focus".

Several local groups and events use the venue, while money generated by the pub is reinvested into its community activities and business.

"The community is the heartbeat of the Garibaldi," Lewis told the BBC. "Without the people, we wouldn't have put up the fight for the place."

A spokesperson for The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC says there is "still plenty of work ahead – and a mortgage to pay".

"But the important thing is that the Garibaldi is secure.

"The next time someone comes in for a pint, they can enjoy it just a little bit more knowing that this really is their pub," they said.

Supplied The behind of a bar. There are loads of bottles of spirits. — A local MP and council have helped save the pub, according to manager Shiv Lewis

Lewis thanked her local MP Rebecca Paul and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for supporting their fundraising campaign, together with local businesses and individuals who also helped.

Juilet Whitemore, co-director of the The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC, said the pub is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, who played a pivotal role in the unification of Italy.

The 19th Century figure reportedly gave a speech near the pub while visiting the UK, she explained.

The pub is set to hold events over the August bank holiday weekend to celebrate the achievements of the community group.

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