FAQs

Thank you for visiting the FAQ page for The Kings Arms, Wing. Our beloved village pub has sadly closed and is currently on the market for sale. A dedicated Steering Committee has been formed to explore ways to save the pub for the community. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about our efforts, the pub’s future, and how you can get involved. If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@wingpub.co.uk

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Why has The Kings Arms closed?

The former leaseholders, who ran The Kings Arms successfully for over 20 years, have relocated to Cornwall. Since their departure, the freeholder has not yet found a new tenant or a buyer for the pub, leaving its future uncertain.

What is the Steering Committee, and what is its goal?

The Steering Committee is a group of local residents working together to explore all possible options to save The Kings Arms. Our goal is to secure its future as a community asset, ensuring it remains a vital part of village life.

Could The Kings Arms become a community-owned pub?

Yes! One of the possibilities we are actively exploring is purchasing the pub as a community-owned business, similar to successful models in other villages. This would involve raising funds through a community share scheme and other funding sources.

How can I support the effort to save the pub?

You can help in several ways:

Register your interest in community ownership.
Spread the word to friends, family, and neighbours.
Attend Steering Committee meetings and offer your skills (marketing, legal, fundraising, etc.).
Donate or invest if and when a fundraising campaign is launched.

What happens if the pub is sold to a private buyer?

If a private buyer purchases The Kings Arms and keeps it running as a pub, that would still be a positive outcome. However, if the new owner plans to redevelop the site for non-pub use, the community may have options to challenge the change of use or work towards an alternative solution.

Why are we changing from a Community Interest Company (CIC) to a Community Benefit Society (CBS)?

We originally established as a Community Interest Company (CIC). However, a Community Benefit Society (CBS) is better suited to the specific purpose of enabling community ownership. The CBS structure is widely recognised and is designed to benefit the broader community, rather than private shareholders. Crucially, it also makes it easier to issue community shares – something our advisers have recommended, as it ensures any surplus or assets remain dedicated to community benefit rather than individual profit.

If we plan to make a bid, must we submit it by 17th May (the end of the second moratorium)?

No, we do not have to. The second moratorium (which ends on 17th May) simply grants the community group an exclusive window in which to make an offer. After that date, the owner is not obliged to continue offering the community first refusal, but you can still make a bid. We do not want people to feel pressured to rush into commitments; taking time for due diligence and thorough planning may be beneficial in the long run.

Why haven’t you shared the valuation yet?

We will publish the valuation details once certain formal checks are complete, ensuring accuracy and compliance with professional responsibilities. Until then, we prefer not to release information prematurely or risk causing any confusion. Once we are satisfied that all requirements have been met, we will release the valuation in a way that is transparent, accurate, and fair to all concerned.