28/08/2026
📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE — FROM KIERAN @ THE BELL, BOTTISHAM
28 August 2026
Dear Friends, Neighbours & Regulars,
I want to be 100% open & clear with you about exactly what’s happening — because this pub belongs to this community, and you deserve the full truth.
✅ MY 12‑MONTH OFFER — STILL ON THE TABLE
I put forward a solid, realistic plan to secure the pub’s future:
- A proper 12‑month tenancy
- Fill the cellar fully with stock & buy furniture to make the place welcoming
- Spread ALL costs evenly over 12 months — fair, affordable, sustainable
- All I asked was basic support & fair terms
This offer was turned down — BUT IT REMAINS OPEN & AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW. I am still ready to sign & make it work if they agree to sensible terms.
Instead, they pushed a risky “Tenancy at Will” — no long‑term security, no legal protection, all risk on me. I refused to sign it (on professional legal advice) — it was unsafe, unstable, and not in the village’s interest.
💷 THE REAL NUMBERS — NO HIDING FACTS
- Running this pub properly costs £3,700 EVERY SINGLE WEEK
(Stock, wines, spirits, rent, gas, electric, staffing, repairs — everything.)
- Zero backup, zero credit, zero help — every penny comes out of my own pocket.
- For anyone coming after me:
- Minimum weekly costs: £3,500+
- Must turn over £6,000 PER WEEK just to break even
- Still no guaranteed support from outside
📉 RIGHT NOW — OPENING UPDATE
We literally cannot afford to buy more beer. We only have limited stock left — no way to restock reliably or trade properly.
👉 SO:
WE WILL BE CLOSED THIS SATURDAY
We will only reopen when we reach a fair, viable agreement — or when we see a clear path forward.
I WILL NOT be bullied or forced into running this pub on a wing and a prayer.
🌳 GARDEN & WORK DONE
I built your outdoor space in good faith — their manager visited & agreed it was fine in principle. I’m ready to submit planning (£120 fee) — it will be approved. We can keep it as a permanent community garden, or I’ll restore it neatly — no mess, no hassle.
🎉 WE WILL SAY GOODBYE PROPERLY
Whatever happens:
✅ COMMUNITY LEAVING PARTY — SEPTEMBER (date coming very soon!)
✅ We’ll celebrate the good times, the memories, & YOU — the heart of this place.
📝 THIS IS OFFICIAL & PROTECTED
I’ve raised every concern formally with the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA Ref: 1184577) — the independent regulator — because transparency matters.
I’m not walking away quietly — I’m standing up for honesty & what’s right for Bottisham. Thank you for every visit, every pint, every bit of loyalty.
My door stays open — 12‑month offer still stands — but I will not compromise on fairness.
Keep supporting your local pub — it matters more than you know.
Kieran Badcock
The Bell, Bottisham
