Community steps in to save Midgham pub

A community has banded together to save its country pub.

Staff shortages have spelt added hardship for The Coach & Horses in Midgham during the cost-of-living crisis, with less than a week to go until Christmas.

But fortunately, retired regulars stepped in two months ago to support the country pub, located on Bath Road, helping behind the bar, with serving food – and even cleaning and gardening.

Landlord and chef Slavo Miskov took over running the pub five years ago.

Sharing his reaction to the community support, Mr Miskov said: “It was very good of them to offer to help.

“There was no other choice, and I was very grateful.”

Phil Magurn is one of the volunteers and has lived in the village for the past 17 years.

He explained the pub has struggled to stay open since the previous front-of-house manager left six weeks ago.

Faced with prospect of losing their beloved pub, Mr Magurn and a few of his neighbours volunteered to help.

“Nobody wants to see our pub close because if it closes, it will probably be gone forever,” he said.

“We thought if it keeps the pub going until they can eventually find someone, then it’s worth doing.”

Volunteers work different shifts. Mr Magurn currently works Wednesday lunchtime and evening and Thursday lunchtimes.

He added: “It's a great example of people helping to ensure the survival of a critical asset in their community.”