Villagers Pledge £60,000 to Revive Shuttered Cross Guns Pub in Pant

In the village of Pant, Shropshire, a community-led effort is underway to save the local pub, the Cross Guns. The pub, which closed its doors in October 2024, is currently owned by Admiral Taverns, but the villagers have set their sights on purchasing the building and reopening it as a community-run establishment.

The campaign, led by the Friends of Cross Guns Pant group, has already received pledges of more than £60,000 in the first two weeks. The group's ultimate goal is to raise £500,000 to buy the pub, which Admiral Taverns has said it is willing to sell for £395,000.

The Cross Guns has been a fixture in Pant since the 19th century, and the villagers are determined to see it thrive once again. The group plans to hold a public meeting on November 20th to discuss the progress of the campaign and gather input from the community on the future of the pub.

One option being considered is to operate the Cross Guns as a cafe during the day and a pub in the evening, but the group is open to other ideas from the community. The group is also seeking advice from experts on community purchases to ensure the venture is a success.

Despite the challenges of reviving a shuttered pub, the residents of Pant remain optimistic. As one spokesperson for the Friends of Cross Guns Pant group said, the goal is to create a "safe space for everyone, offering a warm, friendly welcome and a wide range of services that villagers desire."