{"id":871805,"date":"2026-08-26T06:38:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T06:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/871805\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T06:38:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T06:38:19","slug":"community-saves-pub-from-calling-last-orders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/871805\/","title":{"rendered":"Community saves pub from calling last orders"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Surrey community has clubbed together to save its local pub.<\/p>\n

Redhill’s Garibaldi pub was run on a non-profit basis by volunteers who leased the building, but the property’s owner opted to put it up for sale in 2024.<\/p>\n

The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC says it has officially brought the freehold of the 150-year-old pub, following a fundraising campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Manager Shiv Lewis told the BBC she was “hugely relieved” the group had purchased the pub.<\/p>\n

“It’s been really a positive time after a long uphill struggle.<\/p>\n

“We can continue doing what we love to do at the Garibaldi, and also keep our jobs,” she continued.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Garibaldi pub was due to be put up for auction in 2024 [Supplied]<\/p>\n

Lewis added that the Garibaldi was a “special pub with a big community focus”.<\/p>\n

Several local groups and events use the venue, while money generated by the pub is reinvested into its community activities and business.<\/p>\n

“The community is the heartbeat of the Garibaldi,” Lewis told the BBC. “Without the people, we wouldn’t have put up the fight for the place.”<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC says there is “still plenty of work ahead \u2013 and a mortgage to pay”.<\/p>\n

“But the important thing is that the Garibaldi is secure.<\/p>\n

“The next time someone comes in for a pint, they can enjoy it just a little bit more knowing that this really is their pub,” they said.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

A local MP and council have helped save the pub, according to manager Shiv Lewis [Supplied]<\/p>\n

Lewis thanked her local MP Rebecca Paul and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for supporting their fundraising campaign, together with local businesses and individuals who also helped.<\/p>\n

Juilet Whitemore, co-director of the The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC, said the pub is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, who played a pivotal role in the unification of Italy.<\/p>\n

The 19th Century figure reportedly gave a speech near the pub while visiting the UK, she explained.<\/p>\n

The pub is set to hold events over the August bank holiday weekend to celebrate the achievements of the community group.<\/p>\n

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk <\/a>or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n

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