Locals in Horncliffe, near Berwick, successfully raised over £300,000 to purchase and rescue their beloved Fishers Arms pub, which faced closure in 2021. The pub, built in 1760 and known as the most northerly in England, reopened in December 2023 following a significant fundraising campaign, with support from figures like Si King, Robson Green, Kevin Whately, and members of Lindisfarne.
Despite its historical significance and popularity among cyclists and tourists near the River Tweed, the pub has faced challenges in finding a suitable tenant. After the initial tenants left within three months, only one couple applied for the tenancy but later withdrew. Moira Kay, a dedicated volunteer, highlighted the community effort sustaining the pub, with individuals of all ages contributing their time and effort to keep it running.
Renowned personalities like Robson Green, Si King, and Kevin Whately have shown their support for the pub, emphasizing its importance to the local community. The Fishers Arms, now under community ownership with an Asset of Community Value (ACV) Order, serves as a vital hub in Horncliffe, especially after the loss of other essential services.
The village’s residents, numbering 403, actively participated in the fundraising drive by purchasing shares and receiving grants to secure the pub’s future. The Campaign for Real Ale’s Hubert Gieschen praised the community’s dedication to preserving the pub, highlighting the challenges of sustaining such establishments in the current economic climate.
Efforts are underway to find a new tenant for the pub, with offers of two months’ free rent for the incoming individual or team. The Mirror’s ‘Your Pub Needs You’ campaign advocates for government support for struggling pubs, community buyouts, and VAT rate reductions for the hospitality sector, with backing from various community groups and figures like John Charlton.