"Time to save our Pub" – Half Moon & Spread Eagle

In June 2023 we reported that an entry on 'Micheldever Village' social media stated:

"I am thrilled to be able to announce that the Half Moon and Spread Eagle is back in business! It will re-open in early July".

UPDATE: So what has now happened?
It is now 16 months on and there are changes underway.
 
A call has been put out "Time to save our pub?"

In 2019 Nick Warr and Phil Penton purchased the Half Moon & Spread Eagle on behalf of the community but have endured several tough challenges to keep it operating. A survey and leaflet is now being circulated that states "Now five years later, they can no longer support the pub".

Two main options are being considered, either new investors buy the pub or the community takes ownership and runs it.

A questionnaire has been launched to assess if there is enough interest for a community purchase and if a 'Community Enterprise' should be formed. If so this would lead to the creation of a community owned company with shareholders who would have the pub managed by an elected board.
As well as ascertaining support for their being shareholders, the questionnaire also aims to seek out people who could provide services such as accountancy, PR, gardening or other volunteering activities.

The questionnaire is to be returned by the 31st October, after which there is to be a community meeting at 6.00pm on Friday 15th November in Northbrook Hall.

Let us all wish the Micheldever community well and that there is enough tangible and active support to keep this pub as an important asset to the village and wider area.

The online questionnaire is here:

https://form.jotform.com/242773127754361

The leaflet being circulated:

Microbrewery and bar approved for Overton

The plans for a new bar and microbrewery in Overton have taken a step forward as Basingstoke & Deane Development Control Committee approved the planning application this week (Wed.9th October).

Permission has now been granted for the creation a new bar, micro-brewery and kitchen at No.7 High Street, a former hair and beauty salon (Hobbs).

7 High Street, Overton

The premises consists of a two-storey building that is believed to date from the 15th/16th centuries but has undergone significant changes although much of the timber framing remains. It is registered as a Listed Grade II building.

Support was high
Councillors heard from the applicant's architect who focussed on the responses from the main consultees, including HCC Highways, Archaeology, Environmental Health, Historic Environment, Southern Water and Biodiversity. All were registering a No Objection. 

In addition he noted the high number of letters of support from local residents. 77 were in support while only 12 were opposed, with most seeing such an establishment as a welcome addition to the village high Street. Support also came from the local Campaign for Real Ale citing the wider community benefits that such an establishment can provide. 

The Parish Council 
However, Overton Parish Council had objected citing issues such as a possible increase in anti-social behaviour. In a statement that has raised some eyebrows they also stated they "wish to discourage any further opportunities to organise social drinking or beer festivals". 

The present inside

Noting that the village already has a number of pubs the Parish Council also expressed concern that:
"Creating yet another venue must run the risk of encouraging more alcohol consumption – which is not warranted in such a small village."

Concerns dealt with by owners
A few other residents expressed worries over parking and transport, potential noise and odours, all of which had been dealt with by the planners and the business owners.
During the meeting it was stressed how helpful the owners had been on considering local concerns in making adjustments to the plans, one main change being the removal of the rear outside seating area.
Planners have imposed a number of 'Conditions' which the owners must now comply with before work can commence.

Plans for the main building
The ground floor of the main building will contain comfortable seating including sofas and stools, along with the bar with 2 – 5 steel serving tanks, 5 – 7 taps, an area for preparing cocktails and space for fridge, dishwasher and sink. Upstairs is an area that can be "booked for private dining/ more intimate setting with mixture of sofas, bar stools..."

Two unisex WCs will also be upstairs and the brief included a request to the architect "To include area for makeup/hair etc." To the rear there is a long narrow stretch of land where, at the end, the micro-brewery and kitchen will be situated.

This will be a great addition to the village and we all look forward to the opening and a visit.