The current situation…

The Bartons CBS supported a bid from a small group of local high net worth individuals who were interested in working with us to purchase the Fox Inn as a community pub. We put a lot of work into how we could make a partnership like this work. Unfortunately, the owner did not accept this bid and at the end of May 2024, we refunded all of our investors.

What is happening now?

After 20 months of being empty and unsold, Stonegate reduced the asking price - by £100,000! and invited us to a viewing. We were relieved to see that the Fox has not deteriorated as much as feared. Yes, it will need some work, and of course it feels cold and unloved at the moment - but that can be remedied!

We are in discussions with Stonegate's agent about making a formal bid and are looking at a financing model which would include an element of shareholder loans.

We do not believe that any other parties are actively bidding to buy the Fox. If that should change, we could apply to W.O.D.C. to trigger a further 6-month moratorium under the A.C.V. rules, if we felt it was in the best interests of the village.

Thank you for your interest in helping us to work towards a new Fox Inn community pub!