Pub Protection/Campaigning notes to North Hampshire CAMRA Committee Meeting 11th February 2026 including updates on previous reports

MAIN PUBS (UPDATES in no particular order)

Hare & Hounds, Charlton Down, Andover
This application major concern and could be a national test case. The Appeal which had been lodged against TVBC’s refusal of a Certificate of Legal Use as a Restaurant rather than as a Pub remains in the system, claimed to the overloaded by the Planning Inspectorate. Meanwhile the pub continues to operate.
Boot, Shipton Bellinger
SNAP (Shipton Needs a Pub) and a Shipton Community Pub Ltd, registered as a CBS (a Community Benefit Society), continues with active fundraising events and meetings. Just before Christmas the owner announced their intention to sell, thus triggering the ACV giving a six-month halt to selling on the open market and giving the community a window in which to raise funds and make a bid. Test Valley Borough Council has been informed this is the intention of the community. The hard work begins!
The Weyhill Fair, Weyhill
The planning application for demolishing the Weyhill Fair, which has a very strong CAMRA history, has sadly been allowed on Appeal. There is now permission for its replacement by 9 dwellings. The wonderful mural upstairs will also be lost. A very sad result.
Powder Monkey @ The Guildhall
Their bar in the Andover Guildhall is trading well and has now introduced a number of events including covering the rugby and holding Games evenings. The beer range changes as Powder Monkey introduce new ones. I understand there is barrel-aging taking place at the brewery so some interesting brews may appear later this year. A special hibiscus brew is also to be launched this week. One concern is that there have been three managers since they opened and that they have cut hours, closing Mondays and Tuesdays.
Vicolo Lounge, Andover
Again, like Powder Monkey, this new bar is introducing evening events such as a DJ and evenings for Club Meets, which should bring people into the town boosting trade for ALL pubs. Like many places weekday trade is very difficult.
Andover Tap at the Lamb
The number of activities here continues to grow pulling more people into the town and its pubs. Members may be particularly interested in its forthcoming Brewery trips, the regular Beer Club tasting sessions and the coming Beer Festival. Occasional pub-brewed beers continue with the latest, a sessional bitter, currently on the pumps. A Council grant recently allowed the outdoor patio area to be refurbished and there are lots of events planned for its use.
The George & Dragon, Hurstbourne Priors
More Good News, as after a period of closure and uncertainty the pub has been bought by the independent Chickpea Group. Work is underway and it is expected to open soon with a new name – the Great Decoy. This is after a nearby false airfield built as a decoy target nearby during WW2 to mislead German bombers. The name change has caused local comment with even threats of pitchforks! Personally I think its a shame as there is a history of ‘Georges’ in the valley, but rewash realism that should not detract from the greater good news of a pub reopening.
Cricketers, Longparish
The village has its second pub open with the Cricketers reopening a fortnight ago, still under Red Oak Taverns. A visit is needed.
Bell, Whitchurch
The Bell, closed on Sunday 30th March 2025. Hopes it would re-open last Autumn failed to materialise although some work has been undertaken, as witnessed by a skip outside. Changes in management control are believed to be underway. An ACV application should be implemented.
Bentons, Overton
Good news here is that work has commenced with the rear of the site being cleared for the outdoor area and micro-brewery. This will give a wider choice of venues in the village.
The Crown, Kingsclere
Although the building’s freehold remains listed for sale there is good news that the pub lease has been taken on by the owners of Emporia in Overton, a small shop/cafe. Plans are to reopen the Crown this Spring with a ‘proper’ pub, coffee shop and function room, but a lot of work is required. This is excellent news for Kingsclere, adding to local choice.
Royal Oak, Ecchinswell
Currently closed and a tenant is being sought after planning permission was gained for letting rooms and an extended dining area. There were local reports of “it will definitely be reopening there was a lot of work to be done after it was trashed by the previous tenants”. There have been reports of viewings from individuals and pub operators but as of last month no firm offers. Local residents are chasing this as many want their pub to re-open.
The Mole, Monk Sherborne (now private residence)
Only here for interest but there is a new current planning application for signage relating to the ‘Totem-pole’ pub sign and blue plaques marking its previous incarnation as a pub. Now a private residence called the Olive Tree, there was a Planning Condition when Change of Use was granted that referred to retention of the signage on historical/heritage grounds. It was deemed to be ambiguous and this application aims to dealt with that.
Bell, Odiham
Massive good news is that this pub has re-opened this week, having gained enough finance through its Share offers and Grants. Beers include a mild brewed for the pub by Flack Manor. (I suspect a rebadge of Ruby Mild 3.2%). Over the moon on this – it shows how a community can pull together to save its pub as well as the importance of ACVs in the process.
Top of Town, Basingstoke
There is a lot going on in this area, one that sadly has a reputation for being run down and having anti-social ‘late night’ issues although the Council say rejuvenation is taking place. Gabardine café/bar, and perhaps more importantly on the beer front the Bakers Arms are undergoing changes of ownership, while additionally there are/may be changes afoot either in freehold ownership and/or business type/style at Rhu Bar, The Royal Exchange, Laarsens and Alchemy. Previous hopes that Laarsens might revert to The Feathers name have not taken place.
The Winkle, Basingstoke
This estate pub, one of few remaining from early town development days, is one of many local pubs for sale. The Winkle has a dedicated following but has struggled over recent years. It should make a good community pub in the right hands. It also benefits from an adjacent room that could be a takeaway or other food led business. Recently this has been a café and a after school drop off for local schools. An interesting opportunity.
Royal Oak, Basingstoke
The pub remains in a fairly run-down state externally making it look unattractive. The collaboration with a local brewery doesn’t seem to have happened. It may still be at risk.
Beacon, Basingstoke
[Keeping this highlighted due to unusual Decision Condition] Planning permission was sadly granted by BDBC for change of use to community centre use. However it was only for five years.
The Decision Notice stated:
“The use hereby permitted shall be for a limited period ending 17 October 2030. On or before this date, use of the building and land for the use hereby permitted shall be discontinued permanently. Thereafter the use of the property shall revert to use as a public house.”
Never seen this temporary result before. Unfortunately the inside will lose pub features which won’t be replaced, creating a big risk to reversion to pub use. MUST keep on top of this!

Many other pubs remain at risk – too many to mention!

OTHER PUB SUPPORT MATTERS

As Regional Pub Protection Advisor for South Central CAMRA I am pleased the government is considering the change in ACV rules to allow a Community Right to Buy in place of a Right to Bid for pubs at risk. Let’s hope this is sooner rather than later. It may be a forlorn hope.
General Planning matters Members are urged to respond to planning applications. Notice IS taken. If any guidance is required please just ask.
Transport
The Connect Transport-on-Demand service commenced with 33 pubs within a five minute walk of a stop. More are being added, including Hurstbourne Tarrant – see George & Dragon above. Occasional trips are being held to support this, examples being the Beer festivals at the Clatford Arms and The George Vernham Dean as well as surveying visits. The item on using this service to pubs and beer festivals has been published.
Planning Workshop
No change. Questions over whether CAMRA is a campaigning body or simply a social beer drinkers club rumble. The info provided at the Autumn County meeting might make a good start though. But … is there support?
No answers have been received. Maybe that says something?
Anyone can send questions/suggestions for ‘pub campaign’ matters at any time.
And please be in contact over any issues that might be seen.

John Buckley
North Hampshire CAMRA Pub Protection Officer