Always on
This project successfully funded on 5th June 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Last Orders to Save Rural Hospitality
Woodstock, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Aim
Donate to Plunkett and help communities keep the doors open
Our overlooked rural communities are in crisis: we need your help urgently.
Local communities suffer greatly if they lose their pubs, restaurants, cafés and breweries. Closures of essential services put people in rural areas at greater risk of isolation, particularly those experiencing poverty, disability, and poor health.
This often forces them to leave their community that is part of their identity, and sense of belonging.
If these life-changing rural businesses are to be saved, community ownership is the answer.
National charity Plunkett UK saves rural hospitality businesses by enabling communities to own and run them.
We currently support over 360 community-owned hospitality businesses and have a similar number in our pipeline.
These are places that keep people connected, create jobs, support local economies and offer the only warm, welcoming space many villages have left.
However, the pressures faced by rural hospitality businesses are driving many to breaking point.
Official figures confirm 366 pubs closed for good in 2025, with industry modelling warning that up to 540 more could disappear this year as rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and business rates increases push venues to the brink.
The issue may be being overlooked politically, but communities will not stand by and watch: their need for support is unprecedented.
"When we heard Ty’n Llan was going on the market, there was a real sense of urgency – no one wanted to see it turned into a private house and lost to the community forever. A pub like this, which is a social hub for all, can be the beating heart of a community."
Huw Jones - Ty'n Llan community pub, Llandwrog, North Wales
"Three years ago we saved our local pub. The team at Plunkett UK supported our group from the very start, and it would not have been possible without them. We cannot thank them enough."
Viki Carpenter - Prince of Wales community pub, Newtown, Cornwall
Help Plunkett to meet the growing demand from community-owned hospitality businesses when support is needed most.
The Drewe Arms is one of over 360 rural community-owned hospitality businesses that Plunkett is proud to have supported.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made