The Cross Keys, Ancrum

Securing the future of a Village Institution

A Strong Response from the Community

21st March 2026

The response to our survey has been fantastic, and we want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and support the future of the Ancrum Cross Keys. The level of interest, positivity, and willingness to get involved has given us a strong sense that there is real community backing for seeing the pub reopened and brought back into use. Behind the scenes, we are now taking the project onto a more formal footing by working through the steps needed to form a company, put governance in place, develop a business plan, and begin identifying the right tenant. We will also be arranging a wider meeting for those who have expressed an interest, where we can share more detail, address the questions that have been raised, and explain the next stage of the project. The date, time, and location are still to be confirmed and will be shared as soon as they are agreed.

Proposal

The proposal involves establishing a limited company to purchase the property, undertake the essential works required for reopening, and lease the premises to an experienced chef or proprietor who would operate the pub and restaurant as an independent business. The company would retain ownership of the building while day-to-day trading is managed professionally by the tenant.

A Practical Approach

This approach combines local stewardship with professional operation. By separating ownership of the building from the day-to-day running of the pub, the model protects the property as a long-term village asset while allowing an experienced operator to focus on delivering a successful hospitality business.

The Current Situation

At present, the Cross Keys is closed, and the building faces the threat of long-term neglect. When a village pub disappears, it is seldom replaced, and the longer it remains shuttered, the more challenging and costly it becomes to restore.

A Collective Approach

A group of local residents has come together to develop a practical plan to secure the long-term future of the Cross Keys in Ancrum. The aim is simple: to see the pub and restaurant reopened, operating successfully, and continuing to play an important role in village life for years to come.

This proposal is founded on a shared belief that Ancrum is stronger with a thriving Cross Keys at its heart.

Timeline

  • Initial Phase

    Secure the property through purchase, protecting the building from further deterioration and ensuring its future can be guided locally. Ownership provides the foundation needed to progress reopening plans and stabilise the site for future investment. The estimated purchase price is currently £235,000, based on available information.

  • Next Phase

    Complete essential repairs and safety works required to reopen the pub and restaurant safely and legally, allowing trading to resume and the Cross Keys to return to active use. Repair works are currently estimated at approximately £50,000, with figures remaining indicative at this stage.

  • Future Phase

    Development of upstairs accommodation to create a manager’s flat and three en-suite letting rooms, supporting long-term sustainability and increased year-round trade.

    Works would address known structural issues and be subject to planning permission, building control approval, and detailed design.

What We’re Trying to Achieve

  • A welcoming place to meet and reconnect

  • A vibrant social hub for all generations

  • A venue for groups, gatherings, and village events

  • Food and hospitality that bring visitors into Ancrum

  • A stronger, more connected village centre

  • Sustainable growth through upstairs accommodation

Why this isn’t a Traditional “Community Buyout”

A full community buyout, involving open membership, wider fundraising, and a longer setup period, can be highly effective but typically requires considerable time. In this case, the priority is to act quickly to address urgent repairs and enable the pub and restaurant to reopen, preventing further deterioration and escalating costs.

How you can get involved

We are inviting individuals and groups to support the future of the Cross Keys through investment in £5,000 share blocks.

Each shareholder holds one vote, ensuring balanced local involvement regardless of the number of shares held.

Shares may also be purchased jointly, allowing friends, families, or groups to invest together through a nominated shareholder.

This is an opportunity to play a direct role in securing the long-term future of an important village asset.

Register your interest today, with no obligation, and help bring the Cross Keys back to life.

Register Interest

Registering your interest helps us understand the level of local support for securing the future of the Cross Keys. There is no obligation to invest, but it allows us to keep you informed as plans progress and share further details about the proposal. By registering, you’re helping demonstrate that there is real community backing for bringing the Cross Keys back to life.