King's Head pub in Laxfield, Suffolk issues shares

Shares are being issued enabling investors to become involved with The Kings Head pub in Laxfield, known locally as The Low House, which has been serving customers since the 16th century.

READ MORE: Historic 16th century pub in mid Suffolk given Grade II listing

The Low House Community Interest Company (CIC), which was set up by local residents to protect the pub from possible development, has issued the shares because it is looking to clear the purchase loan for the pub and set up a maintenance fund.

The pub was granted Grade II listed status in June last year to protect it, having been bought by regulars in 2018.

The business in Gorams Mill Lane is one of the few remaining taprooms in the country, meaning customers can see their pints being poured straight from barrels in the absence of a bar.

The King's Head pub in Laxfield is one of few remaining taprooms where customers can see their pints being poured from barrels (Image: Archant)

A spokesperson for the company said: “We always wanted the pub project to involve a wider group of people but when the chance to buy it came up, we had to move quickly for fear of losing out to possible developers.

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"We have managed to run the pub and make enough money to conduct some necessary renovations and nurse the business through the Covid pandemic.

"The pub now has a leaseholder, Hare Hospitality Ltd, owned by a local couple, Gareth and Marie Clarke, who are running a great food and drink service along with three letting rooms on a B&B basis.”

In January 2020, the CIC running the pub received £10,000 in lottery funding for repairs to its thatched roof.

The share scheme will be launched at The Low House on July 3 and copies of the prospectus can be obtained by emailing lowhousefriends@gmail.com.