From Thursday 20th November, the community-led initiative aims to raise a minimum of £300,000 to buy the village's last remaining pub's freehold and safeguard its future as a welcoming, traditional hub for generations to come.
The Stag Hunt dates back to the early 1800s and sits at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, closely linked to the village's Kennall Vale gunpowder works. For decades, it has served as a vital meeting point for neighbours, families, and social groups. Its closure would leave Ponsanooth without a communal space where residents of all ages can connect and support one another.
“The time to act is now,” said Sam Fitch, Chair of Ponsanooth Community Benefit Society. “Without community support, we risk losing The Stag Hunt Inn forever. This is our opportunity to reclaim a cherished piece of village history and create a thriving, inclusive space that strengthens Ponsanooth for decades to come for both locals and visitors alike.”
PCBS was formed by local volunteers after overwhelming support from a community survey and public meetings. The Society has already secured early grants, built a strong volunteer network, and commissioned an independent valuation confirming that the pub is at risk and currently trading far below its potential.
With the pub on the market for 18 months and the vendors becoming “increasingly motivated sellers”, the team believes that demonstrating strong local backing will be key to negotiating a fair purchase price.
The share offer opens the door for anyone to support the future of the pub and represents a critical step in ensuring the success of the project.
To keep the offer accessible, the minimum investment has been set at £100, with every shareholder becoming a member of the Society and gaining an equal vote in how the pub is run. Investments will receive a competitive rate of interest, and may also qualify for substantial tax relief.
If successful, the community plans to restore The Stag Hunt as a cosy, traditional country pub with low ceilings, warm interiors, and space for classic pub activities such as quizzes and games. PCBS aims to deliver “more than a pub”: a warm space for isolated residents, a social café area for families and young people, and a venue where community groups can run events, workshops and activities throughout the year.
“Community ownership is becoming one of the few truly resilient models in today's hospitality landscape. The Stag Hunt Inn is a perfect example of a once-thriving pub that has been forced to close. By giving the community the chance to step in, we're not just saving a pub - we're demonstrating a viable, sustainable future for rural hospitality at a time when the sector needs success stories more than ever,” David Miskin of Plunkett UK told That's Food and Drink.
Residents, supporters, and interested investors can access the full Share Offer Document and find more information at www.savethestag.co.uk
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