Interesting, Lex. Again, please keep us updated with further visits.

My local pub (new tenants a few weeks back) is really struggling. They're desperately asking the customers how they can improve the menu and have cut back heavily on entertainment. Considering this should be their busiest period. I forsee another change of hands coming up before the 5-year lease expires!

If I were them, I would simplify the menu, burgers, pies, curry, and a couple of other very basic dishes, but I'd focus on advertising the place properly and not relying on faceache! - But what do I know?

I dropped in again last night. There was a good crowd around the bar, and a couple of groups were eating, plus another couple of tables were booked.

A couple of pints (beer still good), and a pack of scratchings cost £10.50 - really good vlue, especially for the Stratford area. I didn't get a look at the main menu, but one of te specials was lamb & black pudding hot pot for £15, which was a really good price.

I'd definately go there again.

Will do.

Please keep us updated, Lex.

There were only a few people in when I turned up, but 3-4 diners wondered in when I was there. The beer was good, so I'm going to give it another go.

Was it busy? Did you get the impression that it has a long-term future? - A new team have just taken over my local, I doubt they'll see the 5-year lease out. They're already 'buying in' their custom.

Had a quick pint here today. The beer waas good, and a great job's been done on refurbishing the place.

I wish them well, it's a great idea if EI keeps their fingers out of the pie. I am concerned, however about the current talk of a trade off between pubs and schools that this might prove a hurdle if that trade off goes ahead unless it can be circumnavigated by the cafe' and the community growing space at the rear.

Hope so. Enterprise Inns have had a bad reputation for years.

I just hope they've shed all ties to EI.

Things are progressing steadily: https://www.stratford-herald.com/110873-community-expected-complete-loxley-pub-purchase-within-weeks.html

I wish them well, but truthfully fear for them. Enterprise are not good people to work with.

The village has managed to raise the cash; I hope they do well in their venture: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-51152232

A deal seems to be close: http://www.stratford-herald.com/103151-loxley-villagers-close-agreeing-deal-buy-pub.html

The New Inn in Norton Lindsay seems to be thriving now it's owned by the villagers, so could be a viable option for The Fox.

The problem here is Enterprise Inns (or whatever they call themselves these days!) Enterprise are only interested in milking gullible licencees for their life savings. They have no interest whatsoever of providing pubs that locals want.