The last remaining pub in Drybrook, Gloucestershire, the Hearts of Oak, is under threat after being placed on the auction block with a guide price of £200,000. This beloved pub, a fixture in the village since 1838 and previously known as the New Inn, serves as a vital community hub for events and charity fundraisers.
Current landlords are eager to continue operating the pub, but a break clause in their lease due in 2028 raises fears that new owners might seek planning permission to convert the building into residential housing. This possibility has sparked deep concern among locals who fear losing a key social venue.
In response, Drybrook Parish Council has swiftly moved to protect the Hearts of Oak by applying to have it registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This status pauses any sale for up to six months, allowing community groups time to mount a bid to acquire the pub and preserve its future as a public house.
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Parish Council Chairman Dave Middlemiss expressed surprise at learning about the auction only after a sign appeared outside the pub. “The landlords themselves were shocked to hear about the auction," he said. “We wanted to act quickly to prevent a developer from turning this important community space into housing.”
The council’s move comes with strong local support, including backing from Reform UK County Councillor Piers Camp, who emphasized the critical role pubs play in rural communities. “It’s a shame how many villages like Ruardean have lost their pubs over the years,” he remarked. “We don’t want the Hearts of Oak to face the same fate.”
Forest of Dean District Council confirmed their commitment to carefully evaluating the ACV nomination following required legal procedures and timelines. They encouraged community members to share their support for the initiative via email to Drybrook Parish Council.
The campaign to save the Hearts of Oak is not only a fight to retain a building but a passionate effort to protect the social fabric of Drybrook and the wider Forest of Dean area. Losing this last pub would mark a significant blow to the community’s wellbeing and heritage.