And the new landlord at the quaint Three Horseshoes in Frampton-on-Severn has an interesting connection to the venue, which has been serving pints for more than 150 years.
Described as a ‘hub of the village’, the tiny inn closed in 2023, – which led to a successful community fight to get the site listed as an asset of community value to protect it from unwanted development.
And this week it was announced that the pub – which has two bars and was originally built by a farrier – has been bought by 29-year-old Redford ‘Red’ Hogben and is being revamped.
Red – who is taking on the pub as his first independent business – is the son of Quality Inns owners Alison and Easton Hogben.
And he has an interesting family connection to the pub – known locally as the Shoes – as his grandfather Ron Hogben was landlord from 1978 to 1987.
A soft launch is planned for October after refurbishment work is complete.
“I’m excited to bring the Horseshoes back to life and back into our family again,” said Red.
“It has played an important role in the village for generations and to be part of the pub’s next chapter feels special.”
The aim for the pub is to retain its community roots with Red adding: “I hope locals and visitors will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, great local ales and in time a proper pub menu featuring real English food wherever possible.”
Quality Inns operates 15 hospitality businesses across Gloucestershire and Devon including the Bell which is just yards away from the Horseshoes at the other end of Frampton’s famously long village green.
In their application to get the pub listed as a community asset, locals said: “The pub is a hub of the community and a focal point where residents from all walks of life meet regularly and where many local groups meet for regular meetings.
“It is a fulcrum of social cohesion in the village, it is the location where local issues and interests are discussed and a key reason why Frampton is such a strong and vibrant community.”
News of the reopening has led to a flurry of excitement on social media with one villager saying: “With so many old pubs closing down each day it’s great news that such an old iconic local is being saved.
“Let’s hope that it holds the same allure as the old one we all loved.”
Another well-wisher said: “Well done Red, thanks for saving such an important part of the village fabric. We can’t wait to be back in the Shoes!”
