“I just love making everyone happy.” This simple motto drives Kayleigh Howitt, the dynamic new owner of The Commercial Inn on Redgate Street, Bridgwater, who has breathed fresh life into the once-sleepy local pub.
Since taking the helm in August 2024, Kayleigh has transformed The Commercial Inn from a quiet corner spot into a bustling community gathering place—without any previous experience as a pub owner. “When they called and said I got the pub, I was stunned,” she recalls. With two decades of hospitality experience and years balancing family life, Kayleigh finally realized her dream of owning a pub.
Starting as a glass collector at the Palace Nightclub at 16, Kayleigh’s lifelong connection to the local scene fueled her passion. The Commercial Inn, a historic establishment made from three joined houses and rich in local echoes, held a special place for her too. “I used to come here with my granddad,” she says.
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When she took over, the pub faced challenges—its previous landlords struggled to commit, and the community spirit was fading. Kayleigh’s fresh energy and community-first vision changed everything. She didn’t just want to serve drinks; she wanted to create a place where strangers become friends.
Her initiatives included lively events like karaoke, open mic nights, and live music Sundays. The pub’s first anniversary was celebrated as “Commercial Fest,” a vibrant weekend festival that marked a turning point. Recognition followed: The Commercial Inn ranked number 10 in Somerset Live’s Pub of the Year awards and gained shout-outs in The Great British Pub Crawl’s social feeds.
Kayleigh is candid about the tough realities of running a pub today. “It’s hard work. Money comes in and goes straight back out. It’s not like the old days when landlords made decent money.” But what keeps her going is the vibrant community atmosphere—people dropping in alone and leaving as friends. “That’s why I’ve put it back on the map,” she says.
Located at Bridgwater’s far edge near the train station, The Commercial Inn remains the last pub standing in that area. Kayleigh respects its traditions while embracing change: installing Sky Sports and TNT, creating a sports bar zone, and partnering with brands like Red Bull and Hooch to attract diverse crowds.
Support from fellow local publicans has helped her adapt and grow. One of her proudest achievements? Selling 17,000 more pints than the previous year—a surge that helped secure brewery funding for much-needed upgrades. Now, a condemned kitchen is being replaced, allowing the pub to offer its own homemade food, from soups and baps to pickled eggs, providing an inviting spot for train travelers and local diners alike.
The planned enhancements include a fresh exterior, bar renovations, and maintaining the pub’s authentic charm. Kayleigh knows change can be tough—“When I started, locals didn’t all want it—but I try to balance tradition with new appeal.”
For Kayleigh, the heart of the pub lies in people of all ages sharing the space. “It’s a lovely little local where an 18-year-old and an 80-year-old can sit and enjoy themselves together.” The Commercial Inn’s remarkable comeback is a testament to her passion, vision, and unwavering dedication to community.