Keyford residents are exploring plans to take ownership of The Crown Inn pub, the oldest working pub in Frome, which is back on the market.
A community interest company (CIC) has been set up to explore a community-led purchase, consulting locals on what the pub could look like under local ownership and assessing its financial feasibility.
“The next step is to bring together a team to develop a business plan and identify local investors and supporters, possibly via some kind of share-based community benefit organisation,” explained a member of the group Simon Keyes. “The project has had support from CAMRA and the Plunkett Foundation and will be reaching out to other community-owned pubs and businesses to learn from them.”
The Grade II listed pub is the oldest working pub in Frome and was purchased in autumn 2023 by a London-based property company. Last year, the Keyford Area Neighbourhood Group (KANG) successfully applied to Somerset Council for the pub to be recognised as an ‘Asset of Community Value,’ (ACV).
Now, with the pub back on the market for £380,000, the residents have submitted an expression of interest to Somerset Council to purchase the pub under ACV rules.
Simon said, “Time is tight as the bid needs to be submitted by mid-January.”
If anyone is interested in getting involved or has any suggestions to share, contact Simon Keyes simon@onion.org.uk
The business is open as usual, running well and is not expected to be impacted by the sale. The pub is introducing roast dinners from 12pm-6pm starting 7th September.
