Eden pub receives a financial boost from Eden District Council

Bampton Valley Community Pub (BVCP) is celebrating after receiving a boost from Eden District Council's Inspiring Eden programme.

BVCP is a Community Benefit Society formed in late 2021, with the simple objective to 'Save a Pub for the Valley'. With over 500 Society Members coming together in February 2022 to raise £400,000 in shareholder funds, 'The Mardale Inn at St Patrick's Well' in Bampton was purchased by the community in May 2022.

BVCP has been successful in its application to the Council's Inspiring Eden programme. Funding has been allocated to support important improvements to the building's infrastructure, and to refurbish and reopen four letting bedrooms. The additional income to the pub from overnight stays has always been a critical element of the Society's long-term business plan.

A spokesperson for Eden District Council said, "Supporting our rural economy has always been at the heart of the Inspiring Eden programme.  The Council is delighted to be working with local people and supporting this community owned venture. The grant will support its development, creating local jobs and attracting visitors to our area."

BVCP's mission has always been to secure the future of The Mardale at the heart of the Valley community by offering a warm welcome to local residents and visitors, with the by-product of enabling direct and indirect local employment opportunities.

The pub reopened for drinks in July 2022 and expanded to offer food from November 2022. Today The Mardale directly employs just over 10 full and part time local staff, and takes great pride in sourcing locally to support the wider Cumbrian economy.

Phil Sweetland, Chair of Bampton Valley Community Pub said, "At The Mardale we are building our Society's business according to a 'community hub first' principle. Our recent Inspiring Eden grant enables us to attract visitors who will enjoy an authentic overnight pub experience in rural Westmorland. The additional income will be directly benefiting the local community and helping to guarantee a long-term future for our important Valley hub. We are most grateful to Inspiring Eden and the Eden District Council team for their support."