Home / Lifestyle / Suffolk Pub Reopens, Plans Major Garden Expansion
Suffolk Pub Reopens, Plans Major Garden Expansion
5 Jan
Summary
- The Framsden Greyhound, closed since 2016, reopened last Christmas after a community effort.
- The co-operative pub, with 190 members, plans to re-route a stream for a larger garden.
- Plans include flood defenses, a bigger garden, and increased car parking for future events.
The Framsden Greyhound, a Grade II listed building dating back to around 1600, has successfully completed its first year since reopening in spring 2025. After being closed since 2016 and briefly known as The Doberman, the pub was brought back to life through a significant community fundraising campaign and a government grant. It now operates as a co-operative with 190 members, offering local ales and homemade food, with pies being a particular favourite.
Volunteers and the pub's sole paid employee, manager Maria Swanscott, have focused on meeting community desires for a traditional pub experience. The pub has hosted charity quiz nights, bingo, and petanque competitions. Following a successful first year, director Brian Cox revealed ambitious plans for 2026. These include rerouting a stream behind the pub to create a much larger garden space.
This expansion aims to enhance flood defenses, as the pub experienced flooding during Storm Babette in 2023, while also providing a more spacious garden and increased car parking. The vision is for families to enjoy outdoor events in the garden, especially during sunsets. The pub's revival, from a state of disrepair with a hole in the roof, is a testament to the community's dedication and collaborative spirit.
