The Anglers Rest was saved from closure in 2011, when 300 people from the rural Bamford community pooled their money to buy it. Now, it’s an invaluable hub that offers vital amenities and services, such as a café and post office, as well as employment opportunities for local people. It also serves award-winning beer and was named the CAMRA Sheffield & District Pub of the Year 2020.
In 2015, Power to Change awarded the community group a grant to make The Anglers Rest more energy efficient. A new boiler and heating system were installed, which has reduced bills, and the building was better insulated, making it feel cosier and more welcoming.
A couple of years later, following 2017’s match-funded Community Shares Booster initiative, which was combined with other grants and sources of funding, The Anglers Rest carried out further renovations, including installing a new roof and new windows.
Adapting to Covid-19
Without grants to make up for the dramatic fall in its income, this community hub believes it wouldn’t have survived the pandemic. But thanks to organisations like Power to Change, The Anglers Rest has been able to stand firm and support local residents. It was able to organise and oversee ‘Helpful Bamford’: a scheme that saw willing volunteers fetch shopping, prescriptions and make friendly phone calls to isolated or worried residents within the community.
Looking to the future
After putting events on hold during the first year of the pandemic, The Anglers Rest has restarted evening entertainment such as a quiz night, folk night and vinyl night to keep the community entertained. New events are on the horizon too, such as a stand-up show from a local comedian and talent nights.
Despite the industry-wide challenges it’s facing, The Anglers Rest keeps developing ways to overcome them. The team is continuing to improve the facilities by installing a canopy for the outdoor area and putting out heaters to make the space more inviting year-round. The pub is also offering takeaway services from its café and selling a selection of local goods.