Will the Government Help Save Community Pubs? Asks Surrey MP

Published on: 28 May, 2025
Updated on: 29 May, 2025

The Garibaldi in Redhill (image Google)

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

An “amazing” not-for-profit community pub has topped a poll of best watering holes – and even got a shout out in the House of Commons for “the special place that it is”.

The Garibaldi Community Pub in Redhill received hundreds of votes from pub lovers throughout the Reigate constituency to take best overall pub and best community pub in the Conservative, Reigate MP Rebecca Paul’s Best Pubs 2025 competition.

MP Rebecca Paul during a debate in parliament on community funding for pubs

The results were announced on Monday, when Mrs Paul seized the opportunity during a debate secured on Government community funding and support for local pubs.

Speaking inside the House of Commons, she said: “In Redhill, we have an amazing pub called the Garibaldi, which is a community pub, a not-for-profit pub, that gives back to the community in so many ways.

“On walking in, you feel the warmth straight away from Shiv, Juliette and the other volunteers, who are always there to give a welcome with a smile.

“There is always something going on: quizzes, karaoke, Bhunnys street food—even a book club. My personal favourites are the forces fry-ups for veterans on a Saturday morning—sometimes I go along to help serve the tea, coffee and toast; I normally do it quite badly—and of course music bingo.

“Out back, there is the community garden, which has been transformed with the help of the Garibaldi gardening group volunteers.which is now accessible to everyone, including young adults with special needs who visit with YMCA East Surrey.

Mrs Paul added: “Every bit of profit they makes gets ploughed back into things that benefit the community.

“They are there for the benefit of Redhill residents, not for any other reason, and they are extremely good at what they do.

“That is incredibly clear whenever I visit.

“People from all walks of life sitting side by side with friends and neighbours enjoying a chat and a drink, all part of making the Garibaldi the special place that it is.”

Garibaldi’s manager Shiv Lewis, said they really appreciated the support they had received.

She added: “We are truly honoured to receive these awards and would like to thank our community and our local MP Rebecca Paul for all the support.

“We hope to remain a vital community space for many years to come.”

Other category winners included The Sportsman in Mogador for Best Family Pub and the Well House Inn, in Mugswell, for best food and drink and best pub garden.

The community ownership fund used to provide groups the opportunity to buy valued buildings, and had awarded more than £135 million to 409 projects across the UK, including several community pubs. The fund is no longer available.

During the debate Mrs Paul asked the minister if Government had plans to introduce new money to help support the purchase of valuable community assets by the community.

Mrs Paul said: “The minister acknowledged the importance and success of the community ownership fund and that, after the multi-year spending review, there will be further announcements relating to communities this year, including on the community ownership of assets.

“The Garibaldi has stood on Mill Street for 150 years. It has survived two world wars, multiple recessions and two global pandemics It has seen Redhill transform around it into the modern, bustling town it is today, but it is now at risk if the funds cannot be raised to buy the building. Rather ironically, this pub is so much more than bricks and mortar, but it needs to buy the bricks and mortar if it is to survive”, Mrs Paul told parliament.