Locals in Horncliffe, near Berwick, have successfully raised over £300,000 to rescue their beloved Fishers Arms pub from closure. The historic establishment, dating back to 1760, is known as the northernmost pub in England, situated by the River Tweed chainbridge leading into Scotland. Notable figures like Hairy biker Si King, actors Robson Green and Kevin Whately, and members of the band Lindisfarne have shown their support for the initiative.

Despite the pub’s reopening in December 2023 following the fundraising campaign, finding a suitable tenant has proven challenging. The first tenants left within three months, and subsequent interest has been limited. A dedicated team of volunteers, including Moira Kay, have been working tirelessly to maintain operations, with villagers of all ages pitching in to help.

Robson Green, who frequented the pub during his fishing series filming, along with Si King and Kevin Whately, have endorsed the community effort. The pub’s status as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) has safeguarded it from repurposing, reflecting the community’s determination to preserve its social hub.

The purchase of the Fishers Arms was made possible through a collective effort, with villagers selling shares at £500 each and receiving grants from sources like the National Lottery and the Berwick Community Trust. Hubert Gieschen of the Campaign for Real Ale praised the community’s resilience in saving the pub, emphasizing the importance of such establishments in societal cohesion.

In a bid to attract a new tenant before winter, the pub is offering the first two months of accommodation rent-free. Advocates, including the Mirror, are championing the ‘Your Pub Needs You’ campaign, calling for government support for struggling pubs and incentives for community takeovers. The initiative has garnered widespread backing, including from John Charlton, a local landlord and son of the late Jack Charlton.

The call for action aims to sustain the vital role that pubs play in community life, particularly in the face of economic challenges.