Our Story and Vision
Background
The Bell, Frisby on the Wreake, has long been the social heart of the village and surrounding rural community.
The Bell is a charming and historic pub, dating back to 1759 and set within Frisby on the Wreake’s conservation area. In March 2020, it faced sudden closure. To save the pub, the first share offer was launched in 2021 and raised over £300,000. In August 2021, The Bell Inn Frisby Community Group Ltd was legally incorporated as a Community Benefit Society, registered by the Financial Conduct Authority. Along with other funding The Bell was purchased and reopened in April 2022.
It is now a vibrant and growing business establishing a good reputation for fresh, home-cooked food and a warm welcome. It is increasingly a social focus for the community with regular social events in the pub and a wide range of groups using the conservatory to meet. It provides a venue for art classes, book clubs and working team meetings.
It’s a home from home and a shining example of how a community business can succeed.
Our Vision
To sustain and grow The Bell as a welcoming, inclusive, and financially sustainable business at the heart of the village – serving the community today and for generations to come. We aim to maintain high standards in our food and drink offering, while expanding The Bell’s role as a vibrant venue for social and business gatherings. By doing so, we hope to attract more customers and strengthen our appeal both locally and throughout the Wreake Valley and beyond.
Aims & Objectives
To keep our village pub locally owned, protected, and supported by the community—while preserving its beautiful historic building to a standard worthy of its prominent place in the heart of the village:
• continue to be a village community where members have a say in the future direction and core values of the pub
• continue employing local people while welcoming volunteers who want to be part of this community venture and experience life behind the scenes of a thriving village pub.
• be an attractive and welcoming venue which is accessible to all
• provide a community meeting place, free to use and accessed by a wide range of users
• have a positive social impact, by promoting inclusion and become a focus for the community
• provide an opportunity for people to meet, work and develop new skills
• establish and maintain the financial viability of The Bell for the future.
History of The Bell
The Bell in Frisby on the Wreake dates back to 1759. Even when the village had three pubs, The Bell stood out as the heart of village life, known for being the more welcoming and well-kept of the public houses. In 1974, Frisby lost The Old Black Horse, a historic coaching inn on Main Street, and The Bell became the only pub remaining.
In recent generations, the pub was refurbished and flourished until the COVID pandemic when it closed its doors. Since the purchase it has become a busy social hub and has gained a good reputation, becoming recognised as a destination pub for visitors from the wider area.
The community purchase secured The Bell’s future as a public house. Maintaining it in today’s tough climate for British pubs means people local to the village can continue to enjoy a drink and a meal close to home. It allows people to share stories, catch up on their day, and enjoy the comfort of their local without needing to plan or organise a special event. Just simple, spontaneous socialising alongside organised events and social meetings.
Contact us at: communications@thebellfrisby.com