THE White Lion is close to roaring again after community campaigners at Broadwindsor signed the tenancy agreement for the pub - a major milestone.
It means that the Palmers Brewery-owned pub will become a community pub now that almost £50,000 has been raised through public donations and grant funding.
As reported, there has been a massive community effort to save the village's last remaining pub.
White Lion management committee chairman David Leader said: "Signing the agreement is such a significant milestone in our quest to open up the pub again for the community. It’s great news."
It is hoped that the pub will be open in time for Easter.
White Lion committee member Elaine Leader helping to clear the bar area before refurbishments take place
The new manager will be Kate Staff, who will be supported in running the pub by her daughters, Chloe and Louise.
"We’re very pleased to appoint Kate and her daughters and look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead," Mr Leader added.
Kate, whose parents live locally and is well-known in the village for the imaginatively-decorated cakes she creates for charity, said: "We are very excited to be part of this great project.
"Our vision is to make the White Lion the hub of Broadwindsor, where people can come and feel at home, whether it be for food, drink or just a chat – everyone will be welcome.
"We look forward to making new friends and being a permanent part of this fantastic community."
The pub closed last summer after the tenants took over a pub in Somerset.
Unable to find a landlord to take over, Palmers approached Broadwindsor Group Parish Council to see if the community would be interested in running it.
Mr Leader, the council’s vice-chairman, put together a group to explore the idea and then put it to the village at a public meeting.
A Crowdfunder appeal raised £34,760 with 337 supporters in 28 days. Further funding came from the parish council, Palmers, grants and other public donations.
The money will be used to renovate the bar area, purchase kitchen equipment and supply working capital.
The aim is to be modestly profitable but not for private profit. It will offer food and drink with an emphasis on local produce.
*Locals are being invited to an open evening at the pub on Wednesday, February 23 from 6-8pm, to look around and hear about the refurbishment plans.
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