Ponsanooth pub's bid to become community hub
The village of Ponsanooth is coming together in an ambitious bid to save its last remaining pub - and reimagine it as a thriving, community-owned hub.
Throughout April, volunteers from the Ponsanooth Community Benefit Society have taken over the Stag Hunt Inn, opening from Wednesday to Sunday to showcase how the pub could operate under local ownership.
The initiative is part of a wider campaign to raise at least £300,000 to secure the building’s future for generations to come.
The takeover has already had a visible impact. Local people — including young residents — have been trained in bar work, cellar management and licensing, offering valuable experience in Cornwall’s hospitality sector.
At the same time, the pub has regained its place at the centre of village life, hosting book clubs, poker nights, games afternoons, bingo, live music and even police drop-in sessions. Food has also returned, with pancake brunches, homemade soups, cakes and hot drinks helping to draw in families and regulars alike.
Sam Fitch, Chair of the society, says the project has been shaped directly by the community. “Absolutely, that’s exactly how we’ve run this month,” he said. “The first thing we did was seek suggestions and offers from people… we’ve had board games clubs, poker nights, the book club meeting in the pub.”
He added that the long-term vision is about giving local people real ownership and influence. “The exciting thing for me is that probably the most successful ideas haven’t even been had yet,” he said.
“Anyone who invests becomes a member, has a say over how it’s run and can stand for election… it’s a completely democratic structure.”
Since the takeover began, the campaign has raised nearly £125,000 from more than 100 investors — a significant step towards its £300,000 goal.
The month will culminate in a major community celebration, with the Stag Hunt Inn Beer Festival taking place on April 25th and 26th.
The event will feature local breweries including Verdant Brewing Co and Skinners Brewery, alongside live performances from The Lemonaire Shanty Singers, family-friendly activities and food. All profits will go directly towards securing the pub’s future.
For many in Ponsanooth, the project is about far more than saving a building — it’s about preserving a vital community space and proving what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.