Press Release - Chequers Inn, Roxwell

Fleurets finalise sale of historic Essex pub to community group

Fleurets is delighted to announce the recent sale of The Chequers Inn in Roxwell, Essex which was purchased by the Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society Ltd on behalf of the community. The purchase follows a successful share offer campaign and with the support of HM Government's Community Ownership Fund.

Andy Frisby, Director and Head of London Agency said, "We are delighted to have sold the Chequers Inn to a community group, The Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society Ltd. It provides us with great satisfaction to know the purchaser has the interests of the 250 year old pub and local community at the heart of what they do.

"Pubs are a keystone of our society and provide a valuable environment for community engagement especially in villages and remote areas. The Chequers will be an asset again within Roxwell village and hopefully generate pleasant memories for local people for generations to come."

The Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society Ltd was established last year to achieve a community buyout of The Chequers Inn, a much loved local.

Sam Metson, Chair of the Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society Ltd said "We're thrilled to have successfully completed the purchase of The Chequers, marking an important milestone in our community's efforts to preserve this cherished establishment. However, our work is far from over. The real journey begins now as we embark on the process of refurbishing the pub and finding a suitable tenant. We invite anyone interested in taking on the tenancy or supporting our ongoing efforts to get in touch, to help us ensure The Chequers remains a vibrant hub for our community for years to come."

Chelmsford's first distillery, The Essex Spirits Company, joined in the support by creating a gin with a percentage of the proceeds of sales going towards the campaign to save the Chequers.

Following renovation in line with the building's listed status and once a tenant is in place, it is anticipated that the Chequers Inn will open its doors by the end of the year.