The Friends of The Ivy group is celebrating this morning after completing the purchase of The Ivy pub, securing the future of the Heddington venue, following months of community fundraising and effort.
The community group have just confirmed this morning that the sale had been finalised after receiving confirmation from its solicitors.
In a message shared with supporters, Friends of The Ivy said: “Just had a phone call from our solicitors… it’s done. Friends of The Ivy now officially own the pub. Thank you again for all the support. Now the hard work starts.”
The group was formed in response to concerns over the future of The Ivy and has spent months fundraising and working through the legal process to bring the pub into community ownership.
Mr Moyle-Harris, Friends of The Ivy chairman said: “I’ve always looked at the project of saving The Ivy as having three phases.
“The first was to make it possible – which we’ve now done.
“The next phase will be to make it happen, where we’ll focus on the building, recruiting staff and refining the business structure.
“The final phase, once we open, will be to make it work.”
Supporters have been invited to attend a “Ceremony of the Keys” at the pub on Wednesday to mark the handover and celebrate the milestone.
Friends of The Ivy has previously said its aim is to protect The Ivy as a community asset and ensure it remains a welcoming and viable pub for local residents.
Further details about reopening plans and next steps are expected to be shared in the coming weeks.
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