The beloved Ivy Inn in Heddington, a 17th-century Grade II listed pub, is on the verge of reopening thanks to a determined local community effort. After closing last year, this iconic Wiltshire pub has sparked widespread support aimed at preserving a cherished piece of British heritage.
Locals quickly formed the Friends of The Ivy group to save the pub from permanent closure. An agreement has been reached with current owner Wadworth Brewery, but community investment is now essential. The Friends have launched a share offer to raise at least £350,000, which will secure the purchase, insurance, and essential renovations.
Dr. Paul Moyle-Harris, chairman of Friends of The Ivy and retired GP, emphasized the pub’s historic significance: “The Ivy’s timber frames date back to around 1600, making it a unique heritage site that predates the Mayflower’s voyage. It’s a cultural treasure for Wiltshire that must be preserved for future generations.”
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The Ivy Inn was once a destination pub renowned for its quality food and ales, drawing patrons from miles around. The Friends are committed to restoring its reputation as a quintessential English pub for the 21st century.
The ultimate target for the funding campaign is £800,000. This would enable a full transformation, including interior redesign, kitchen and toilet extension, bar upgrades, improved energy efficiency like a wood-burning stove, and better accommodation for the pub manager.
With over £200,000 pledged before the share offer officially opened on September 22, support has come from near and far — including Kent, Dorset, and even Germany. Additional funds will be sought through grants and loans once the initial target is met.
Recognized as an asset of community value, the thatched Ivy Inn will become more than a pub. It will serve as a community hub offering live music, group meeting space, a café, and a venue serving locally sourced, sustainable food and drink under the motto: Real Ales, Real Community, Real Wiltshire. It’s also intended as a tourist attraction due to its proximity to popular trails like The Ridgeway, White Horse Trail, and Wiltshire Cycleway.
Shares can be purchased with a minimum investment of £100 and a maximum of £20,000. The offer closes on October 31, 2025, but may be extended. Shareholders will form a Community Benefit Society, having a say in decisions about the pub. Shares are to be held for a minimum of three years, and financial returns are expected only after the pub is firmly established.
To encourage investment, a Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme offers a 50% income tax reduction for investments of £10,000 or more. Smaller investments qualify for a 30% tax rebate through the Enterprise Investment Scheme. These incentives have already attracted considerable interest.
Looking ahead, Friends of The Ivy envision a unique farm shop on site, featuring a refrigerated vending machine stocked with local essentials like sausages, bacon, bread, and cheese, reducing residents’ need to travel for everyday groceries.
The surrounding fields host the Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally, a popular community event, whose Amenities Committee has pledged £70,000 towards the pub’s renovation once the share fundraising reaches £350,000.
The Ivy Inn’s revival embodies the power of community spirit to preserve local heritage and create a vibrant social hub for generations to come.