Campaigners for Ashton Hayes’s only pub, the Golden Lion, win runner up in Pub Saving Awards
CAMRA has named the Ashton Hayes Community Hub Ltd, who saved the Golden Lion in Ashton Hayes, Chester – the only pub left in the village – as joint runner ups in its Pub Saving Awards 2025.
The Pub Saving Awards celebrate communities who have rallied together to fight for their local, saving the pub from a grim fate of conversion or even demolition. The awards put these campaigns in the spotlight, inspiring others to investigate community ownership for their local.
The only pub in the village of Ashton Hayes was at risk of being turned into private housing when the previous owner of the 300-year-old building closed it in early 2013 and neglected the pub for 12 years.
The local community applied for the pub to be registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and have spent over a decade campaigning to save it. By raising almost £250,000, including share offers from as far as Australia, and a £360,000 grant from the now discontinued Community Ownership Fund, the local community completed the purchase of the Golden Lion in June 2024.
The next year was spent undertaking a mammoth renovation of the pub including solar panel installation and uncovering a hidden cellar! The Golden Lion finally reopened 7 August 2025 and is once again the centre of the village.
Hugo Deynem, Chair of AHCHL said:
“This recognition reflects the collective commitment, hard work and determination shown by everyone involved in preserving The Golden Lion as a valued community asset. The pub now continues to serve as a social hub, supporting local life and bringing people together.”
Lance Warburton, Golden Lion tenant added:
“I feel truly honoured to be part of such a committed and supportive community, and to play a role in ensuring the pub remains a welcoming place at the heart of village life.”
Joint runner up was the George Community Pub (Wickham Market) Ltd who saved the George in Wickham Market, Suffolk and the overall winner was the Hull Community Pub Society, who campaigned for the New Clarence in Hull.
Brian Vardy, West Cheshire CAMRA branch Chair commented:
"The Ashton Hayes Community Hub have worked very hard for a long time to save the Golden Lion. The owner had closed the pub and was trying to demolish it. The group obtained an "Asset of Community Value" and campaigned to have the pub reopened. They raised the finance, bought the pub and renovated it, creating an excellent community local for the village. This was a tremendous achievement and the recognition by CAMRA is well deserved."
Paul Ainsworth, Pub Saving Award Coordinator said:
“These community champions and heritage heroes deserve to be applauded. I continue to be amazed by the dedication and grit of these campaigners, who spend years or even decades campaigning to save pubs.
“However, if we want more communities to be able to do this, they need support from the government. The Community Ownership Fund provided cash for groups to take ownership and the running of community facilities that would otherwise be sold, converted or demolished. This was wound up by the government and has not been directly replaced. The forthcoming Right to Buy scheme must come alongside a dedicated programme of advice, guidance and funding to make sure community pubs go from strength to strength.”
The pub will be presented with the award at an event organised by the local CAMRA branch.
Ends
Notes to editors
Photos of the winners and runner ups: camra-stock.camra.org.uk/256263685/collection/114/pub-saving-award-2025
CAMRA has detailed guides and resources for anybody looking to save their local: camra.org.uk/save-your-local-pub
More information about the Pub Saving Awards: camra.org.uk/awards/pub-saving
More information about the George: thegeorgecommunitypub.co.uk
About CAMRA:
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a not-for-profit UK consumer group.
We have been campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971.
Media Contact:
CAMRA Press Office:
01727 337863
