How a Village Saved a 200-Year-Old Yorkshire Pub and Won Big

Saving your local pub might sound like the plot of a feel-good film, but for the villagers of Spennithorne, it became a reality. When their beloved Old Horn Inn—a pub with over 200 years of history—faced closure, the community pulled together to bring it back from the brink. And now, their hard work has earned them the 2024 Pub Saving Award from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

So, what’s the story behind this inspiring comeback? Grab a cuppa (or a pint), and let’s dive in.

Image source: https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/200-year-old-yorkshire-pub-30733867

A fight to save the Old Horn Inn

When the Old Horn Inn closed suddenly in 2022, it felt like the heart had been ripped out of Spennithorne. The pub wasn’t just a place for a quick drink; it was a hub where friends gathered, football teams planned their next match, and neighbours caught up on village news. But plans to convert the building into housing left locals with two choices: accept the loss or fight to save it.

And fight they did. Residents banded together to form the Old Horn Community Pub Society. Their goal? To stop the pub from disappearing forever.

A community comes together

Turning a dream into reality takes cash—and lots of it. The society launched a campaign to raise £180,000 to buy the pub. Incredibly, over 140 investors stepped up, pledging their savings to keep the pub in community hands. Within two months, they hit their target.

By June 2023, the Old Horn Inn officially belonged to the people of Spennithorne. But owning the building was just the first step.

Renovating with a little help (and a Lot of Elbow Grease)

Turning a rundown pub into a welcoming community space was no small task. It took volunteers of all ages—from teenagers to pensioners—to make it happen. Everyone chipped in, whether it was sanding down old beams or scrubbing the kitchen until it gleamed. Even Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister and a local MP, popped in to show his support during the renovations.

By May 2023, the Old Horn Inn reopened its doors. With a fresh coat of paint and a renewed sense of purpose, the pub quickly became a hive of activity again.

More than just a pub

Today, the Old Horn Inn is much more than a watering hole. It’s the beating heart of Spennithorne. The pub hosts everything from coffee mornings to quiz nights, knit-and-natter groups, and team meet-ups for football, cricket, darts, and dominoes.

What’s most remarkable is how the pub has tackled social isolation. For some villagers, popping into the pub for a chat is the highlight of their week—a reminder that community spaces matter more than ever.

Winning national recognition

It’s no wonder the Old Horn Community Pub Society was awarded CAMRA’s 2024 Pub Saving Award. As Paul Ainsworth, the award coordinator, put it:

“When a pub closes, it’s incredibly hard to open the doors again. Many lose the battle to conversion or demolition. These awards recognise the dedication it takes to save local pubs—because they’re more than just buildings; they’re the heart of a community.”

Why this matters

The Old Horn Inn’s story isn’t just about one pub. It’s a shining example of what can happen when people come together to protect their local heritage. It’s also a reminder that pubs aren’t just places for a pint—they’re places for connection, creativity, and community.

If your own local pub is under threat, take a leaf out of Spennithorne’s book. With determination and a bit of teamwork, saving it might just be possible.

Cheers to that! 🍻