Save Our Suffolk Pub - The Framsden Greyhound

Own a slice of our classic village pub!

Join us in a vital community initiative to restore the Framsden Greyhound, a beloved local pub with over 300 years of rich history. This crowdfunding campaign presents an opportunity to raise funds for renovating and revitalising the pub, transforming it into a vibrant hub for villagers and visitors alike.

Your support is essential for securing its future, creating a welcoming space for all, and preserving a cherished piece of our village's heritage. Together, let’s make this vision a reality!

* HMRC advanced assurance for SEIS tax relief has been achieved, meaning all investments are SEIS eligible, allowing investors to benefit from significant tax relief.

About Us

Framsden is a village 10 miles (16 km) north of Ipswich and 3 miles (5 km) south of the small market town of Debenham, Suffolk. Once upon a time, we were self-sufficient, with a bustling community featuring blacksmiths, butchers, windmills, and much more.

For over 300 years, the Greyhound has been the centre of village life for walkers, cyclists, and the local community. Our 16th-century thatched, Grade II listed pub has long been a gathering place.

Sadly, eight years ago, the landlady passed away, and the pub closed, becoming neglected and derelict. This was further worsened by Storm Babet, which flooded our village in October 2023 and disrupted many lives.

The village of Framsden had no community-owned property until an opportunity arose to regain the pub for the benefit of both villagers and passersby alike. A plan was developed, leading to the formation of a Community Benefit Society, which raised sufficient funds to purchase the pub's freehold.

In April 2024, we collected the keys and reverted the pub's title to its historic name: The Framsden Greyhound.

For several weekends, the village came together to empty the pub and make it watertight while plans were made to restore it to its former glory.

Framsden (population 350) lies within Mid Suffolk. There are few pubs within a 10-mile radius, but with a catchment area of 66,000 adults, our pub has plenty of customer potential.

Pop Up Pubs

We have held several events to raise awareness about our goals. While successful, these events took place outside the pub, as we need additional income to complete our vision.

A share issue has been launched, and we’re on our way to achieving our goal, but we still need additional funds to meet our aims.

Running The Pub

The pub will operate as a free house, with a manager appointed to choose suppliers. With a fully operational kitchen, we will serve locally sourced and cooked food.

The Garden

A key feature of our new business will be an attractive pub garden (designed by Xa Tollemache) that will grow herbs and vegetables, providing potential work experience and training for budding horticulturists.

Key Elements for Renovation

These include:

• Flood repairs
• Thatched roof repairs
• New plumbing and heating
• Rewiring
• Window repairs

There’s so much to do, and with your help and support, it will all be possible!

The Pub's Brush with Celebrities

Sir David Jason: “I understand you are trying to resurrect your old village pub and restore the name of The Framsden Greyhound. Having visited the pub years ago while on location for Only Fools & Horses – The Frog's Legacy, I wish you well in your endeavours. I hope that you can raise the necessary amount to achieve your goals and that everything works out cushty. As Del Boy would say, 'He who dares wins!' Good luck and best wishes."

Suffolk's most famous international pop star's first performance was in the pub when it was called The Doberman. Rumour has it that the then-landlady asked him to stop playing because it was too loud!

Join us, own a slice of history, and be part of an exciting community venture.

For more information, please read our community share offer document and business plan below.