A second share offering has been launched to save the Britannia Inn in Wells after its owner the Wellington Pub Company submitted a planning application to convert the pub into a four-bedroom house and to construct four further homes on the gardens.
Prior to its closure in 2021, the Britannia Inn was the last pub serving the eastern part of Wells.
In 2024 the Britannia Inn was listed as an Asset of Community Value and the East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) formed to see the Britannia restored to its former glory and opened as a hub for the benefit of all.
“The next few months are therefore crucial to the success or otherwise of the Save The Britannia campaign” said EWCBC.
“The Britannia is the only public house serving east Wells and the neighbouring villages, which have a population of more than 6,000, and the vision of the community benefit society is to recreate a welcoming pub and hub at the heart of the local community, owned by and run for the benefit of residents.”
An initial share offer, enabling anyone over 18 to acquire a stake in the project raised nearly a quarter of the £350,000 needed to buy and renovate the site, and a second share offer has been launched to secure extra money.
The minimum shareholding has been kept at only £50 to encourage as many people as possible to invest, although the committee hopes investors will contribute as much as they can afford.
All funds received will be ring-fenced and refunded in full should the purchase not go ahead.
The society is also promoting a series of events to publicise the campaign and raise additional money including public meetings and quiz nights.
A new song, written and recorded by committee member Mark O’Callaghan entitled Remember the Britannia Inn and accompanied by a video, will shortly be available. Anyone with relevant skills or ideas would also be welcome to join in the work of the society.
In its planning application the pub company submitted a viability study seeking to establish that the Britannia Inn is no longer viable to operate as a public house.
EWCBS has commissioned its own independent reports which disagree and is confident the Brit, as it is fondly known, can thrive once again under community ownership.
Further information and a share application form is available on the EWCBS website: savethebritanniainnwells.org
The planning application is available on the Somerset Council planning portal under the reference 2025/1762/FUL where comments can be left until 26 November.
Pictured: East Wells Community Benefit Society steering group members are fighting to reopen the Britannia Inn. Photo by Wells Voice.
