Community left with nowhere to go after village’s only pub closes unexpectedly closes (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Chedworth community left with nowhere to go after village’s pub the Seven Tuns only closes unexpectedly closes

3:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Ian Craig

DRINKERS and diners in Chedworth are in shock after the only pub in the village unexpectedly closed its doors last weekend.

The Seven Tuns – billed as the ‘happiest pub in the Cotswolds’ – shut down stunning locals and prompting residents to spring into action to establish a new watering hole.

A message posted on the pub’s Facebook page on Monday thanked customers and promised any further information about its future would be posted as soon as it was known.

Cotswold District Council ward member Cllr David Broad (Con) described the closure – leased by Young’s Brewery – as "a bombshell".

"We’re pretty disappointed that it’s shut and we’ve got no idea when it’s going to reopen," he said.

"It’s left a bit of a hole in lots of peoples lives."

He added he was concerned may be planning to redevelop the building as homes or flats.

"If they do want to do this they’ve got a fight on their hands," he said.

However, Chedworth Village Hall committee has come to the rescue of drinkers facing a decidedly dry Friday night.

The hall’s bar will be open – staffed by volunteers – from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Fridays until future notice.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out at the bar can call manager Shiela Miles on 01285 720 485.

A spokesman for freehold company Criterion Asset Management told the Standard Young's Brewery had decided not to renew its lease. The company was now working to find a new tenant as soon as possible.

No one at the pub could be reached for comment.