we are parched

Aim: help us turn a grade II listed building into a craft beer and cocktail bar.

who is parched?

we are. we're Colin, Katie and Dave the dog, formally of the globe. it's been over a year since we tried to leave Newbury, but somehow, we ended up back here. there's something about this town that we just couldn't leave behind (no, not you Jack). so here we are, ready to start our second rodeo, but this time on our own terms. 

why are you doing this?

you might remember the big reason we left the globe (probably not. no one cared) – we simply wanted the freedom to serve craft beer but someone, who will not be named, (we'll let you work that one out yourself) had other plans. this time we’re doing it our way – no big brewery forcing us to serve sub-par draught beers. we just want to own a small independent bar supporting small independent breweries. but in our usual (unusual?) weird way. 

so, what’s parched all about?

quite simple actually – decent bevs in a decent setting with a decent team and decent customers. let’s try that again. banging bevs in a comfy setting with an adequate team and decent customers. that sounds more accurate. that’s not too much to ask for, right?

nothing over-complicated. nothing fancy. relaxed. casual. dog-friendly. familiar. probably (definitely) childish. think of it this way - the best of what we did at the globe, but with far better beer on draught. 

we’re buzzed to be part of the community again, supporting local musicians and indie businesses just like the good ol’ days. and yes, we’ll still do our weird pub quiz and a bunch of other events down the line. we’re big advocates on doing one thing well instead of a bunch of stuff mediocre, so we’re focussing on getting the bar up and running before we open the kitchen and courtyard. yea we said it. there’s a secret courtyard out the back. 

just to manage those expectations friends… we still have no idea what the hell we're doing, but we’re going to have a proper go anyway.

how can we help bring parched to life?

this is costing some beaucoup bucks. we have no financial backer. there’s no big brewery doing the refurbishment. it’s Dave’s college fund that’s floating this ridiculous venture, but we need a little help to get it over the line. that’s where you come in. we know what you’re thinking – Dave’s a handsome chap, just sell him. we tried. he was, unsurprisingly, returned. we also know what you’re thinking – why are you begging for money from hard-working individuals such as myself to fund something no one asked for? good question. no comment. but if you do fancy tearing the sofa apart to find some loose change, you’ll help us make up the remaining 18% so we can:

• build a cellar & bar from scratch
• refurbish the toilets
• install craft beer dispense equipment
• purchase glassware and bar equipment
• furnish the whole building (does anyone know someone who does taxidermy? asking for a friend…)

what’s in it for me?

other than a new independent watering hole on the high street, we’ve got a bunch of tasty rewards. they’ll be ready to roll after we open - just in time for you to regift them to someone for Christmas. if you don’t fancy any of the rewards (we don’t blame you), you can simply hit the donate button and pop in any amount. anyone who contributes to the project will have their name featured on our founder’s wall so everyone will know what a legend you are. any donation, big or small, will go a long way to helping us make our dream a reality. oft. that sounded a bit cheesy, didn’t it? cheers Colin for your one contribution to this. from the bottom of our empty pockets, thank you in advance. we can’t wait to see you on the other side… of the bar. love you. p.s. please send this to your rich friends x

TL;DR: we’re opening a bar. please help us x

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 11th September 2025 at 6:40pm