In October 2018, The Stag suddenly closed its doors for business, not for the first time, as tenants struggled to maintain a commercially viable operation under brewery ownership. Meanwhile, another nearby pub, the Carpenters Arms in Slapton, was undergoing a process to change its use to residential, causing concern among local residents.

Previously, Mentmore Parish Council attempted to have The Stag registered as a Community Asset, but the district council did not approve the plan. After The Stag’s closure, Adam Goran and Peter Brazier discussed running The Stag as a community venture. They engaged in conversations with Charles Wells, the brewery owning the freehold since 1944, and made a formal offer to purchase the freehold, including all its contents.

A community meeting revealed overwhelming support for the plan, leading 42 individuals to join an Enterprise Investment Scheme, raising funds to acquire and refurbish The Stag. In December 2019, Charles Wells accepted the offer, and contracts were exchanged on 2nd March 2020, completing on 6th March 2020.

The initial plan to quickly decorate, perform basic maintenance, and reopen was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the first lockdown. This unforeseen situation allowed the team to undertake a more extensive renovation, employing local tradespeople, making the building and garden accessible for disabled needs, terracing the garden, and creating a cycle hub to attract cycling trade.

The Stag reopened on 21st June 2021 to significant support from guests near and far. The community’s enthusiasm was evident, and the pub continues to thrive, providing local employment opportunities and supporting other local businesses. The transformation from a struggling establishment to a successful community venture has been met with widespread acclaim.

The Stag’s revival has had a profound impact on Mentmore. The pub has become a successful and profitable business, creating local employment opportunities and fostering an economic ecosystem for nearby enterprises. The community ownership model, with a non-executive operational board of directors comprising local shareholders, ensures the pub remains viable and sustainable.

The Stag at Mentmore stands as a testament to the power of community action. By transforming a struggling pub into a thriving community-owned gastropub, the residents of Mentmore have preserved an important local hub. The Stag now offers a welcoming environment, excellent food and drinks, and a variety of community-focused events.