The Cross Keys, Ancrum

Securing the future of a Village Institution

We are still accepting share applications

We are delighted to confirm that the Cross Keys has now been successfully purchased.

With the building secured, our focus has turned to the next chapter: bringing the pub back to life. We are now actively seeking the right tenant to run the Cross Keys as a welcoming, thriving village pub at the heart of Ancrum.

We are also continuing to welcome new shareholders. Additional investment will help support the renovation and development of the building, while helping to secure the Cross Keys as an important village asset for the future.

Proposal

The Cross Keys has now been successfully purchased, securing the building for its long-term future. The next stage is to carry out the essential works required for reopening and appoint an experienced tenant who will operate the pub and restaurant as an independent business.

Ancrum Cross Keys Ltd will retain ownership of the building, while the day-to-day running of the Cross Keys will be managed professionally by the tenant.

A Practical Approach

Our approach separates ownership of the building from the operation of the business.

By retaining the property as a long-term village asset and leasing it to an experienced operator, the building can be protected for the future while giving the tenant the freedom to develop and run a successful hospitality business.

The Current Situation

The purchase of the Cross Keys marks an important milestone, but there is still work to do before the doors can reopen.

Our focus is now on preparing the building for its next chapter, carrying out the necessary improvements and finding the right tenant to establish a successful and sustainable pub and restaurant.

A Collective Approach

A group of local residents came together with a simple aim: to secure the future of the Cross Keys and see it reopened as a successful village pub and restaurant.

With the building now purchased, that ambition has taken a major step forward. The focus is now on restoration, reopening and finding the right tenant to take the Cross Keys into its next chapter.

The goal remains the same: a thriving Cross Keys at the heart of Ancrum, playing an important role in village life for many years to come.

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.

Contact Us

Crosskeys Property Limited

Company number - SB883518

Incorporated -23 March 2026