Our Communications and Marketing Officer, Michael Wolverson, writes about his visit to The Maybush Inn, for a day of filming and networking, funded by the Suffolk Community Foundation through the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund.
Nestled above a creek on the coast of Essex, The Maybush Inn is the beating heart of Great Oakley. They kindly hosted me and my colleague Sarah Benn, Plunkett’s Membership Manager, for an in-person networking event. This involved representatives from six community-owned pubs in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex: The Case is Altered in Bentley; The Great Bromley Cross; The White Horse in Upton; The Ship Inn in Great Holland; The Fox & Hounds in Beccles and, of course, The Maybush.
East of England community-owned pubs: my insights from the network meeting
My key takeaways from the meeting was, firstly, the importance of community groups coming together to discuss the challenges, joys, and logistics of running a pub. This was exemplified in the advice given to The Fox & Hounds, which has yet to open, on how they can increase community engagement and what it takes to start a community-owned pub.
Secondly, the groups emphasised the importance of being ‘more than’ a pub. This is a key phrase we often discuss at Plunkett, and it is certainly what makes community-owned businesses so special. This was evident in our discussions about food trucks, events management and social groups, and being a hub for essential services such as the Post Office, library, and disability and welfare advisers—all examples of how these community pubs serve their communities.
Knitted ‘Jockeys’ on the wooden horses ready for race night! Created by the ladies at Knit & natter group!
After the session, we were shown around the character-filled, cosy pub by Committee Secretary, Lynne. It hosts both darts and pool teams, with the pool table also used for various events like a leek competition, a pie competition, and even wooden horse racing with jockeys knitted by the knit & natter group!
The day of filming gave me the opportunity to speak to a wide range of people from the community. I spoke to committee members, volunteers, village residents who use the pub, and even 7-year-old Holly, who loves to come to the pub and do her colouring.
“The brewery told us it wouldn’t work on volunteers alone, but we have proved them wrong!”
Terry, Vice Chair of the Committee
My first interview was with Terry, Vice Chair of the Committee, who shared the pub’s background. The Maybush closed in 2015 and remained shut for 18 months. The community then rallied together, launching a funding exercise involving over 180 shareholders and members, and successfully raised over £80,000 to qualify for a mortgage and reopen the pub in 2016. With eight committee members and 24 volunteers, this volunteer-run pub has been thriving under community ownership for almost a decade!
Volunteer and Events Organiser, Martin, told me about the wide range of events they host at the pub. Every Thursday, there is an event, including traditional quiz nights and live music, as well as literary events like ‘Books at the Bar’ and ‘Poems and Pints’. These events create a fun environment that attracts a diverse crowd and caters to various interests.
“These events on a Thursday bring in people who wouldn’t normally come in. They are nearly all people who live on their own. It is about being a community.”
The impact a community pub has on a community
One of the main things that stood out to me was the impact the pub has on everyone. Being a volunteer-run pub gives it a special atmosphere, making it more than just a place to buy a drink and a bag of crisps. It is a hub that is special to the whole community.
Lou Kiwanuka, a volunteer who works on Tuesdays in the bar, summarised this perfectly when I interviewed her:
“It’s the heart of the village, physically and emotionally. It’s the heart of people’s gripes, sorrow, and joy. In the world that we live in now, to have a physical space where you can bring your good day, bad day, funeral, Christening, and even do your post, with a friendly smile, is pretty amazing.”
After an incredible few days, I had the enjoyable task of putting together this video case study. It introduces you to the wonderful people at The Maybush Inn, who share how the pub goes beyond its traditional services, offering events, food, and much more, and what the pub means to them.
A special thank you to the Suffolk Community Foundation through the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund for generously funding this video.
How is your community business ‘more than’ its traditional service?
If this story has inspired you and you want to share your own, don’t hesitate to nominate yourself for the ‘More Than’ Award category at our Rural Community Business Awards before 30 April! This opportunity is open to all Plunkett UK members.
