After 5 years of blood sweat and tears to revive the local community non-profit pub the Blue Bell at Cocking as a community asset, they need your help to get over the final hurdle. Without an urgent cash injection of £30,000, their endeavours will have been in vain, and the pub will close forever. Recent economic conditions have put the enterprise on a knife edge , but if they can make that final leap and wipe the slate clean, they have exciting tenants ready to take over and relaunch – thus ensuring the pub goes forward as a viable business. Any donation however small will help them over the finishing line – please help now!
The story so far
The Blue Bell Community Hub which owns the Blue Bell pub in Cocking, West Sussex has launched one final attempt to fundraise £30,000 which will be essential to allow the pub to stay open and take on experienced and exciting new tenants later in January. This will take our community pub forward to the next stage of its journey!
They are seeking donations (and have an open shareholding offer – details can be found here) from individuals, businesses, and local organisations to help protect this cherished community asset. Since reopening in 2019 as a not-for-profit, community-run venue, the Blue Bell has quickly become a hub of activity in the heart of Cocking.
Cocking, near Midhurst, was the centre of great celebration in December 2019, when the Blue Bell at Cocking re-opened as a community-based village Hub and was saved from disappearing into a housing development. The Blue Bell was the first community owned pub in the South Downs National Park. Situated in the picturesque South Downs National Park, the pub and community hub offer more than just food and drink—they serve as a vital meeting place for residents, hikers, cyclists, and tourists. With a garden offering stunning views of the Downs, a dog-friendly atmosphere, and cycle repair amenities, the Blue Bell is both a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a social focal point for the village.
In 2018 the project began, and in December 2019 the Blue Bell opened its doors with a large gathering of locals. Then COVID came along, and the Blue Bell had to close in line with Government policy multiple times throughout 2020 and 2021. However, through all these challenges, the Blue Bell pub re-opened as proposed, providing up until now a bustling village pub, a restaurant serving good quality pub grub, a café, bed & breakfast, and an information centre for visitors to the South Downs National Park.
Sadly due to unexpected circumstances, they find themselves in a position where they have one final chance to raise sufficient funds to keep the pub open. Funds will be used to pay burdensome debts and create the best possible environment for the prospective tenants to move in and bring our pub and community back to life.
Please use their GoFundMe, email them info@thebluebellatcocking.co.uk or visit the shareholder investment page.
You can read more about Cocking’s Community hub journey here.