Answers to your questions
Following our community meeting on 18th December, we said we would publish a summary of the questions raised for those who were unable to attend. We ...
We are delighted to let you know that a price of £425,000 for the purchase of The Bell has been agreed with the owners. It is our intention to purchase The Bell jointly with Christopher Strangeways who has had a similar arrangement with Iden Stores for the past 27 years.
Under the proposed arrangement Christopher will purchase a share of the freehold for £200,000 and the Community Benefit Society will raise the balance of the purchase price through a share offer in January 2026. The total to be raised will include sufficient funds to cover our share of the purchase costs (essentially Stamp Duty and legal fees) We therefore aim to raise £225,000 + £10,000 costs = £235,000.
We have been working closely with John Rogers, owner of The Globe, Rye and partner in award-winning Pub design company RjR creative thinking! to reach this stage. John negotiated the competitive sale price on our behalf.
Refurbishing and reopening The Bell
Subject to final agreement John will invest in a comprehensive refit and then run The Bell as the Innkeeper. His vision is to create a wonderful Country Inn for the residents of Iden and others from further afield.
For more about John see www.rjrcreativethinking.com
If the purchase of the pub does not go ahead as planned, the shareholder funds will be returned in full.
We will be holding a public meeting in Iden Village Hall on Thursday 18th December 2025 at 18.30 when we will provide additional information about our plans and will answer any further questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you.
© The Bell Inn Iden Community Limited 2025. All Rights Reserved. By Olli Hopkins