Earlier this month, High Peak MP, Robert Largan visited the Anglers Rest in Bamford to talk to the co-operative’s directors. It is Derbyshire’s first community-run pub, and its survival story featured recently in the Community Business Festival.

The not-for-profit co-operative was formed in 2012 to rescue the last operational pub in the centre of Bamford. During the campaign to buy the pub, the village Post Office was also placed under threat of closure. So, a plan was developed for the Anglers Rest to become a pub, café and Post Office.

By the end of October 2013, the community organisation had raised £263,500, secured the Post Office contract and purchased the Anglers Rest. Since then the business has grown to a turnover of around £420,000, employing around nine full-time equivalent staff.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“It was lovely to pop in the Anglers Rest to see how they’re getting on, since reopening.

“I am delighted that such a successful community enterprise is doing so well in the High Peak, bringing people together and forming a real local hub in Bamford—not least of all coordinating village activities in the current coronavirus pandemic.

“Please do support our awesome local businesses if you can and support my High Peak Shop Local campaign.”