We're preparing a Community Share Offer - please help us shape it!
The historic Baker Arms pub, a cornerstone of Bayford's community for generations, is at a crossroads.
After several difficult years for the hospitality industry, the doors closed in June 2023.
We're rallying together, aiming to re-open it as working pub & community hub, welcoming visitors from near & far.
The Latest
Villagers offered unique opportunity as Bayford group announces share plan for community pub
28th March 2024
Bayford’s annual Parish Assembly saw a volunteer group from the village unveil a road map to community ownership and reopening of the much missed Baker Arms pub.
Under a deal currently being developed, the newly established Bayford Community Benefit Society would acquire part of the existing building and land freehold to re-open a pub, with the possibility of a small café and shop also under consideration.
Supporters have been invited to express their interest in share ownership of the Community Benefit Society (CBS). Under the CBS - a regulated structure specially developed for community groups - the shareholder members elect a management committee and make key decisions together. Assets are locked into community benefit perpetually.
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News
FOBA not hibernating this winter
7th February 2023
We haven’t posted an update for a while but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening! The FOBA team have been meeting regularly & are working on proposals to try to save our beloved pub. There’s a lot of hard work still to do but we hope to be able to share our plans with you soon.
Plunkett Foundation lends expert advice
24th November 2024
Delighted to announce we’re now being supported by Plunkett Foundation, a charity providing mentoring & professional advice to groups in rural areas to acquire & run community-led businesses. Their guidance will be invaluable in our quest to restore Baker Arms into community service.
Initital response to Survey indicates support for the project
12th October 2023
We've had a phenomenal response to our #BakerArms survey so far. Just over half the replies have come from the surrounding villages & #Hertford. It's deeply heartening to know the pub is important to people beyond just #Bayford.
The survey is still open: bit.ly/3QcVyNJ
First milestone passed in securing a community future for the Baker Arms
28th September 2023
Following the launch of our campaign, we are happy to announce a first big milestone. On the 20th September our application for the Baker Arms to be given ACV (Asset of Community Value) status was granted by East Herts District Council.
ACV status means that during the council's listing period, which runs for the next five years, the community will have to be informed if the pub is put up for sale by the current owners. If the pub is listed for sale, the community can enact a Community Right To Bid which gives us a moratorium period of six months to determine whether we can raise the finances to buy the asset ourselves. It wouldn't give us a right to buy, but it would buy us some time to come up with our own bid should the pub be put on the market.
Here is useful guide that explains what ACV status is and what it entitles us to: https://bit.ly/48xMnzt
Launch of Save the Baker Arms Campaign
24th September 2023
Today we launch our campaign to save the Baker Arms. To have your say & help influence the way forward, please fill in our survey linked below. It's open to everyone & all the information gathered will be vital in shaping the future of the pub.
Find ands respond to the survey here: http://bit.ly/3t0N2sS
Friends of Baker Arms formed
19th July 2023
News of the sudden departure of Baker Arms landlords was met by a strong show of support from the village and beyond at the closing nights and today's Parish Council meeting.
There has been a pub on the site for over 200 years. It one of the last true village amenities, the post office, shop and blacksmith having departed long ago.
A working group has now been formed to explore options for a viable future for the pub.
Some 180 pubs in Britain have been successfully taken on by community groups, which is one model being considered. Some of these democratically run pubs have evolved to meet the needs of their patrons, incorporating cafes, shops and creative spaces.
Whatever the way forward, your support for the Baker Arms will be crucial to its success. We intend to hold a public engagement event in the Autumn; please stand by for updates and meanwhile any ideas or queries are welcome.
