Community And Palmers Brewery Join Forces To Reopen The King William Inn
- jennietemp
- May 19
- 2 min read
Historic 17th-Century Somerset pub set to reopen as a community hub after its doors closed more than two years ago
The King William Inn in Catcott is set to reopen after being closed for over two years, thanks to a new partnership between the Catcott Community Benefit Society (CatcottCBS) and Palmers Brewery.
Rather than seeing the pub face potential redevelopment — a fate suffered by so many rural pubs across the country — the community and Palmers Brewery have entered into a tenancy agreement to restore the historic 17th-century inn and reopen it as a sustainable community-focused venue serving Catcott, and the wider Polden Hills community.
The project is already attracting attention as a potential new model for saving rural pubs without communities needing to purchase the building outright.
“This is about much more than reopening a pub,” said Mark Adamson for CatcottCBS. “When villages lose their pubs, they lose important social spaces. We wanted to create somewhere welcoming for all generations, locals and visitors alike — a place built around community, belonging, and shared experiences, where everyone can come to gather, enjoy and relax.”
The King William Inn will operate with community involvement alongside an experienced hospitality management team, combining professional pub operations with local volunteer support. Alongside exceptional seasonal food and drink, plans include café activities, hosting local walkers and cyclist groups, community events and opportunities for younger people to gain work experience and confidence within a supportive environment.
The partnership demonstrates how breweries and communities can work together constructively to protect rural pubs for the future. Under the agreement, Palmers Brewery will continue supporting the long-term future of the building and hospitality operations, while the community focuses on activities, engagement and creating a genuine vibrant welcoming social hub.
“What makes this model powerful is collaboration,” said Jim Jones, Tenanted Trade Director, Palmers Brewery. “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a local community and a brewery pull together with a shared vision and positive spirit. Palmers are excited to support the CatcottCBS in bringing this much loved village pub back to life. We firmly believe that pubs sit at the heart of the community, and plans for the King William Inn Catcott perfectly capture everything a great rural pub should represent - connection, inclusivity and sustainability for the future.”
Together, this collaboration is creating something sustainable not just for the greater Polden Hills area on the Somerset levels, but potentially for other rural communities too. The project has already generated strong local backing through crowdfunding campaigns, fundraising and volunteer support.
Further announcements regarding the future opening date and events will be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit:Catcott Community Benefit Society
Crowdfunding campaigns:
Media Enquiries
Catcott Community Benefit SocietyEmail: info@catcottcbs.co.uk
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