Mawbray’s Lowther Arms will open its doors for the the first time in two-and-a-half years next month, thanks to a mammoth community campaign.
The Lowther Arms Community Project was launched to save the village pub, which had been shut.
Villagers banded together and offered shares for people to buy and 282 shareholders now own the pub.
In 13 weeks, they raised £150,000 and were given £100,000 by Co-operatives UK in match funding.
The pub will reopen on Saturday, June 26.
Chris Atkinson, chair of the project, said: “The reopening of the Lowther Arms is going to be a very special occasion and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone on the day.
“All are invited to come and join us as we celebrate saving our village pub for future generations.
“LACP is a co-operative, and we believe this is also the country’s first coastal community pub. It will mean a great deal to the village, the community and the pub’s supporters to see it trading again.”
Shareholders and supporters are already making plans to be there, and it is thanks to the magnificent and selfless efforts of all the trades and volunteers, and help of organisations like Co-operatives UK, the Plunkett Foundation’s More Than A Pub programme and social lenders like Key Fund that buying and reopening the pub has been possible.
The project has been working hard to make sure everything is ready for the big day, including a facelift of the external walls in blue and cream.
Chris added: “Special thanks go to those who have worked tirelessly to paint the pub, restore the grounds, prepare the site for new services, create the design scheme which inspired the makeover, and supported the project in other ways.
“Thanks also go to local publicans Charles and Ainsley at the Grey Goat at Baggrow for their practical help and support.”
The caravan site and grounds are being restored to their former glory including the upgrading of the waste treatment system to meet regulations and the needs of an open pub and caravan site.
The project also hopes to install a glamping pod to increase the availability of accommodation on site, and create suitable facilities for motorhome stopovers.
Other work includes bringing the electrics and wiring up to standard and redecorating inside.
The beer garden is getting a makeover to allow plenty of space for customers to sit outside and is home to picnic tables made by a local resident.
More seats are desperately needed, the project said, and anyone can sponsor a picnic table for £150. An extra £14.50 will buy a brass plaque with a personalised dedication or company logo.
Shares are still available at www.thelowtherarms.co.uk
