We welcome you to Shipton Gorge and to our friendly local pub, the New Inn. We are a traditional village pub which, with its beer garden, is the social hub of the village for many villagers.
The pub, along with it’s two excellent bed & breakfast rooms, is managed and run by landlady Andrea Wood and her dedicated team.
For restaurant and accommodation bookings call 01308 897302.
Details of opening hours, special events, facilities and menus can be found on the website www.newinndorset.pub and on Facebook.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE NEW INN
The New Inn, at Peas Hill in Shipton Gorge, is now the only pub in Shipton Gorge. It was named the New Inn because it replaced a house that was destroyed by fire in the early 19th century. It is owned by local Bridport brewers JC & RH Palmer and has always been run by tenant landlords. Until the late 1950s there was also a pub in Brook Street called the Masons Arms. This pub closed and the property reverted to two homes “Old Masons” and “Thatch End”.
In 2005 following a period of decline, the New Inn was closed by the brewers. Palmers were reluctant to invest in a business they considered unviable. However, the villagers were determined that the pub should again become the hub of village life. Residents were consulted through questionnaires and public meetings, and it was quickly established that this was a cause worth pursuing. A group was formed that would seek advice, negotiate with interested parties, mobilise work parties and raise funds. The group became a registered company called New Inn Support Limited (NISL). The NISL board of directors is currently made up of six volunteer villagers.
NISL, having been granted a lease of the pub by Palmers, fund raised through special events, private donations, loans and a grant from DEFRA, which allowed some £40,000 to be spent on renovation and improvement. The pub interior was redesigned and extensions built. An inspiring number of residents offered to help with the building refurbishment, which highlighted the talent and skill existing in the village. Although work to the tune of £60,000 was completed by volunteers, the true value was in the community spirit; the coming together and doing to bring the New Inn back to life.
The New Inn re-opened in August 2006 and the premises are presently sub-let, via the NISL, to Andrea Wood. Andrea is a very professional and experienced publican, and a warm host, who has continued to build on the pub’s excellent reputation for great beer, good food and a warm friendly welcome to villagers and visitors alike. The pub is now a viable concern and much appreciated by locals and visitors. NISL continues to raise funds for continual further improvements and maintenance. Another group ‘Friends of the New Inn’ along with other volunteers, help with gardening, decorating, and preparation of hanging baskets for the summer.
So many villages have lost their village pub but in Shipton Gorge we are very fortunate. This village has a heart, a social centre and a great amenity that we hope you will enjoy. Many visitors call at the New Inn, particularly walkers and cyclists who stop off for a drink or something to eat while enjoying the lovely surrounding countryside. Other visitors and locals bring their dogs to enjoy the great food and drink, friendly atmosphere, the special events and fine hospitality.