Final £40,000 fundraising push for Brighton’s first community owned pub

The UK’s first community-owned pub on a council estate has began a final fundraising push.

Hundreds of people have backed The Bevy which is turning a former run down pub into a venue for all of the community in Bevendean and Moulsecoomb.

With building work now finished, those behind it are looking for a further £40,000 to kit out the venue in Hillside, Brighton, before it opens it’s doors.

An open day will take place on Sunday, April 27 between 12pm and 4pm to encourage more people to get involved.

A statement sent out to supporters this morning (Friday April 18) said: “It’s been a very bad week for Brighton boozers.

“The Cuthbert and Newmarket Arms have been lost to housing, while the property vultures are circling over the Rosehill Tavern.

“Whatever you think of these pubs, once they are lost, they are gone forever from the community and we need more than smart phones and shopping to nourish the soul.

“However, there’s one place that is nearly ready to open four years after being closed down.

“Thanks to a few pig-headed residents, a superhero Vicar, hundreds of shareholders and a government grant, the old Bevendean Pub has been transformed and is set to become the first co-op pub on a housing estate in the UK.

“Building work has now finished but we need just a bit more money to get us over the finishing line.

“Instead of brick dust we can nearly taste our first pint!”

The Bevy has been created on the site of the former Bevendean Hotel, which was closed by police due to antisocial behaviour.

Hundreds of people across the city and beyond have bought shares in the new venture while it has also received backing from local brownies, NHS, Albion in the Community and the local vicar.

For more details, visit www.thebevy.co.uk.