A passionate community initiative in Wells is rallying to revive the Britannia Inn, a cherished pub that has remained closed since 2021. The East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) has launched its second share offer, aiming to raise between £340,000 and £458,000 to secure ownership and bring the historic venue back to life.
The campaign kicked off with a promotional stall at Wells’ Wednesday market on November 26, seeking to increase public engagement and boost investment ahead of the share offer’s January 2, 2026 deadline. This follows a successful first raise of over £76,000, signaling strong local commitment to this grassroots project.
The Britannia Inn, built in 1879, once stood as the last operating pub on the eastern side of Wells and a vital community gathering place. Its closure left East Wells without a social venue, increasing social isolation in the area. Recognised by Somerset Council as an Asset of Community Value in January 2024, the pub now has a protected status that offers residents a chance to purchase it collectively before it can change hands for other uses.
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EWCBS’s vision for the Britannia Inn is ambitious yet community-centered: transforming the site into a not-for-profit hub featuring a pub, café, communal kitchen, and event spaces to host quiz nights, live music, family gatherings, and more. The existing skittle alley and garden are slated for community events like summer BBQs and children’s parties, enhancing its role as a social heart for the neighborhood.
Their business plan highlights the urgency of reopening the venue, citing local surveys that underscore demand for warm spaces, social events, and cultural activities in East Wells. Importantly, the society aims to maintain the historic character of the pub while adapting it to contemporary community needs.
Under the proposed model, EWCBS would retain ownership of the building, leasing it to a tenant responsible for day-to-day management, ensuring that operational decisions align with community benefit objectives.
This initiative has garnered widespread support, with over 3,500 expressions of interest recorded during early consultations, reflecting deep-rooted enthusiasm for preserving the Britannia Inn’s legacy.
Community members and organizations can invest from as little as £50 up to £34,000, helping to ensure the pub’s future as a vibrant, inclusive space for generations to come.