Gardeners Rest, Neepsend

The Gardeners Rest in Neepsend is set to continue serving Sheffield’s drinkers for the foreseeable future after the Gardeners Rest Community Society raised more than £237,000 to complete the purchase of the pub and preserve its identity. The society was formed last October after it was announced that former landlords Eddy Munnelly and Pat Wilson planned to retire. Several parties were interested in buying the pub, but amidst fears that developers might close it and convert the building into flats, a group of regulars banded together to try and save it. By November 2016, more than £100,000 had already been raised, and the remainder needed to complete the purchase has now been achieved. More than 400 investors, who each donated between £100 and £5,000, have bought community shares, and the group received a grant of £50,000 from the More Than A Pub foundation. The future of the Gardeners Rest looks bright, with the society planning to evolve the pub into a community hub. Alongside the current offerings of live music events, an activity centre and a place for local artists to exhibit their works, there are plans to provide facilities for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities. Of course, the pub will also continue to serve a fine selection of real ales from the Sheffield Brewery Co and guests. Congratulations to everyone involved! Dominic Nelson