Brighton’s much-loved community pub, The Bevy, has moved to reassure residents and visitors alike that it remains open and welcoming, following recent rumours and confusion about its future.
Located in Bevendean, The Bevy is no ordinary pub. It holds a unique place in British pub history as the only community-owned pub on a housing estate in the UK. Saved from closure more than a decade ago by local residents, it was rebuilt and reopened through the collective efforts of hundreds of shareholders, volunteers and supporters determined not to lose a vital social hub.
In recent days, speculation about the pub’s status prompted concern among regulars and the wider community. In response, The Bevy issued a clear message: it is still open and continuing to serve the neighbourhood. The statement was intended to cut through misinformation and remind people that the pub remains active, accessible and at the heart of local life.
For many in the area, The Bevy is far more than a place to enjoy food and drink. It operates as a community centre, hosting a wide range of activities that include lunch clubs, support sessions, family-friendly events and inclusive social gatherings. Its focus has always been on bringing people together and tackling isolation, particularly in an area that can often feel overlooked.
The pub’s importance became especially clear during the pandemic, when it adapted its role to support vulnerable residents with food and practical help. That spirit of community support has continued, even as rising costs and pressures facing the hospitality sector have made operating increasingly challenging.
Despite these difficulties, The Bevy’s message is one of resilience and determination. Those behind the pub say it continues to rely on the support of the community it was built to serve, encouraging people to visit, take part in events and help sustain a space that belongs to everyone.
As pubs across the country continue to close at an alarming rate, The Bevy stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to protect what matters to it. Its latest reassurance is simple but powerful: the doors are still open, the lights are still on, and the heart of the community is still beating.
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