A New Chapter For The New Court Inn

Aim

Help James acquire The New Court Inn, build on its proud legacy and take this iconic pub at the heart of Usk into an exciting new chapter.

Hey I'm James, and I'm crowdfunding to take on the New Court Inn in Usk. 

The Vision 

I have a vision to create pubs that are the very best versions of themselves. Pubs are unique in British society. They are literally public houses, places where anyone can come, drink, eat, meet friends, know they are welcome and remember that life is full of good things.

For the last three years I've been making this vision a reality at Lines Taproom in Usk. With its array of independent beers, warm welcome and inclusive events, this intimate venue  has become a sanctuary in the community - or a 'noddfa' in Welsh.

The New Court is the next phase of the vision. From the first time I walked in, I could see the potential in this very special Georgian pub. It takes its name from the assizes court that used to be across the road, and it is full of historic charm and character. With a cozy bar, beautiful garden and four lush letting rooms, it has everything needed to be a place where people experience the good things of life. 

What will I do there?

I'll build on the foundation that the current owners, Lee and Lee, have laid over the thirteen years they have been there. 

Firstly, the events. There will be a monthly event calendar full of interesting, unique and fun events. I'll introduce an array of live music nights including jazz nights, folk nights and 'original music' nights. I'll bring in board games and have geeky events such as dungeons and dragons and video game nights. I'll have themed nights such as viking nights and pirate nights. There'll be the traditional pub events such as pub quizzes, Christmas and Halloween parties. In the Summer there'll be epic parties in the garden. We'll show big sporting events on a big screen such as the Six Nations, and there will be street food nights with one off menus of interesting street food, such as bao buns, tacos and smash burgers.

Next is the food and drink. I'll be keeping the beers you love and over time introduce drinks from independent producers, showcasing especially the amazing producers we have in Monmouthshire. I'll expand on the popular grazing menu to include Welsh inspired small plates, especially variations of Welsh rarebit. And of course the Sunday roasts will be staying! All of this while maintaining the excellent standard of food and drink that the New Court is known for.

Finally, mental wellbeing and benefitting the community. Pubs can be a huge help to mental health by encouraging community and relationships, and I will build on this by introducing measures such as mental health first aid training for staff, so that they can better look after each other and customers. We'll explore launching initiatives such as Empty Chairs, a national project to help people connect in pubs. We will also work proactively to support local organisations and charities such as Save The River Usk and The Usk Food Kitchen through fundraising and offering our facilities for their work.

This is just a snap shot. There isn't space to mention what my plans are for the layout (cozy all the way!), furniture, letting rooms and most importantly, the garden (new furniture and an outside bar perhaps?)!

In summary, I want to make the New Court the best version of itself in every way. 

The Ask

I have agreed a lease-to-buy model with Lee and Lee which includes an initial down payment. I have already secured over 90% of this, leaving £20,000 left to find. This is where the crowdfunding comes in. Please look through our list of rewards and choose your pledge. Every pledge, no matter the size, helps us get nearer to the goal. If you are unable to pledge, I would be hugely grateful if you could share this page so others can see it.

Thank you so much for anything you are able to do, it really does mean the world!

Diolch yn fawr iawn!

Funding method

All or nothing – this project will only receive pledges if it reaches its target of £20,000 by 28th November 2026 at 12:00pm