From closed three-hundred-year-old pub to thriving social hub.
Our
Story
The village pub in Ashendon had proudly served the local farming community, nearby villages, and visitors for over 300 years. The pub sadly closed its doors in December 2022 when the tenant chose to pursue a new career path.
In 2023, the people of Ashendon came together with a shared determination to save their beloved pub. A Community Benefit Society was formed, and with overwhelming local support, The Ashendon Community Pub Society (ACPS) launched an ambitious plan to bring the pub back to life.
By August 2024, the Society had secured transformative funding through the Government’s Community Ownership Fund and completed a successful Community Share Offer, giving the community a real stake in the future of their pub.
The Ash Tree reopened in December 2024 with a newly refurbished bar, once again becoming a vibrant hub for the village and surrounding communities. In June 2025, the next phase was completed with the opening of three beautiful guest rooms and a restaurant offering seasonal, locally inspired food.
Now family-run by experienced chef and hospitality professionals, The Ash Tree is proudly welcoming, community-focused and owned by those it serves. Our long-term vision is to return to a sustainable tenancy model—ensuring this historic pub continues to thrive for generations to come.
We remain immensely grateful to all those diligent and generous souls who made our goal a reality and continue to support our pub to take us to our long-term vision.
