The Ivy House

If this pub were a film, it would be a heartwarming tale of pluck directed by Mike Leigh. In 2012, the owners gave their tenants one week’s notice to ship out after selling the property to developers. Instead of going quietly, the tenants set about raising £1 million with the help of the local community to buy the pub and turn it into a cooperative. Nowadays friendly, committed staff welcome locals of all ages for a mates-rates pint of locally brewed ale, carefully sourced pub food (including generous Sunday roasts), and events ranging from live music to yoga classes, knitting circles and kids’ dance lessons. It’s all housed in a Grade-II listed building, with original beams, wall-to-wall wood panelling, leaded windows and an open fire.