The Stag has had numerous owners and tenants over the last couple of decades. Many of us have had good times in there and have fond memories of the place. When it’s open it serves as a central point of social life in the village. Sadly it has been closed many times for periods when past owners have not been able to keep it open. It has now been closed since 2024 and the current owners have moved abroad.
In a survey of the local community in 2024, 70% of the respondents said they’d like the community to buy the pub. This made it the most popular choice on the survey.
In February 2025 the Stag Pubgroup had its first meeting. It was a sub committee of Rackenford Parish Council. The pubgroup looked into how best to prepare to purchase The Stag. This led to the formation of Rackenford Community Benefit Society.
Rackenford Community Benefit Society is now formally set up, approved by the Financial Conduct Authority and has a bank account. This will help us to be ready to move quickly if and when The Stag comes up for sale.
Membership of the community benefit society is based on a minimum shareholding of £100. The membership has democratic control of the society. Raising enough funds to purchase the pub will take more than £100 per person, so we’re asking those who can afford to, to invest money beyond the minimum shareholding. A formal share offer will be published when the pub becomes available. In the meantime, we are looking for expressions of interest.
If you would like to help us to ensure the future of The Stag as a community owned pub, please enter your details in the form below, or email pub@rackenford.org.uk