August 2026
A Summer of Progress
As we move through our first summer with Adam and Lucy at the helm, it feels like the right time to reflect on everything that has happened over the past three months.
Since taking over on 1 April, they have worked incredibly hard to establish the pub as the welcoming village hub we all hoped it would become. Trading has steadily strengthened, regular customers have returned, new visitors continue to discover Horningsea and the atmosphere around the pub has become increasingly positive.
Behind the scenes, the CIC has continued investing in the building while supporting the tenants and planning for the future. The past few months have seen significant maintenance, improvements and planning that will benefit the community for many years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the pub by eating, drinking, volunteering, attending events or simply spreading the word. Every visit really does make a difference.
Nearly Six Months In
Adam and Lucy have now nearly completed their first six months of trading.
During that time we have seen:
- Growing food and drink trade
- Increasing numbers of returning regulars
- Successful Sunday lunches
- New events and entertainment
- Positive feedback from customers
- Continued investment in the building
- Strong support from the village
Running a village pub is never straightforward, but it is encouraging to see the Plough & Fleece becoming busy once again.
Pub by Numbers
Over the last six or so months we’ve seen:
✓ Hundreds of meals served
✓ Thousands of pints poured
✓ Numerous community events hosted
✓ Continued investment in the building
✓ Over twenty maintenance and improvement projects completed or underway
✓ Countless volunteer hours contributed by members of the community
Looking After Our Building
The Plough & Fleece is over 400 years old, and owning a historic building means maintenance never stops.
Since May we’ve completed or progressed work including:
- Electrical improvements
- Kitchen maintenance
- Drainage improvements
- General decorating
- Furniture repairs
- Equipment servicing and replacement
- Garden maintenance
- Ongoing safety inspections
- Passed the food health inspection with a 5-star rating
- Building compliance work
Many of these jobs are largely invisible to customers, but they are essential to keeping the building safe, compliant and fit for the future.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who has volunteered their time and expertise.
Community Events
The pub continues to grow as Horningsea’s community hub.
Recent months have included:
- Live music evenings
- Pétanque matches
- Village gatherings
- Private celebrations
- Family meals
- Community lunches
- Social evenings
- Regular meetings of local groups
Seeing the building busy throughout the week is exactly what the Community Shareholders hoped for when the village bought the pub.
Pub Maintenance Appeal
One of our biggest current priorities is raising funds for repairs to the roof and painting works. Unfortunately, our rental income alone is not sufficient to cover major structural work while continuing to maintain the rest of the building. Our current fundraising campaign will help us complete essential repairs and protect the future of the pub for many years to come.
In the interest of the wellbeing of the building will commission these works whilst we continue to raise funds.
If you are able to contribute, however large or small, every donation helps. Thank you to everyone who has already donated.
The link to our funding campaign is on crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/plough-fleece-thrive
Volunteers Make It Possible
Running a community-owned pub is about much more than the people behind the bar.
Over recent months volunteers have helped with:
- Gardening: Replaced the lighting on the petanque pitch, trimming the hedges etc.
- Maintenance: New potwash area with sink, counter tops and dishwasher
Looking Ahead
The coming months will focus on:
- Completing roof repairs
- Painting and decorating
- Supporting Adam and Lucy as the business grows
- Strengthening the long-term financial position of the CIC
There are still challenges ahead, but there is also a great deal to be optimistic about.
Thank You
Finally, thank you to:
- Our shareholders
- Our volunteers
- Our directors
- Adam and Lucy
- Everyone who visits the pub
- Everyone who recommends the pub to friends and family
The Plough & Fleece belongs to the community.
Every pint, every meal and every visit helps secure its future.
We look forward to seeing you over the summer.
Support the Plough & Fleece
Visit the pub. Bring friends. Attend our events. Spread the word. Support our Roof Appeal.
Together we’re building a sustainable future for Horningsea’s community pub.
