Redhill’s Garibaldi Pub Saved by Community After Freehold Purchase
Historic Pub Secures Future Thanks to Community Fundraising
The Garibaldi, a cherished 150-year-old establishment in Redhill, has been saved from potential closure after The Garibaldi Community Pub CIC successfully purchased the freehold. The victory comes after months of intensive fundraising and community mobilisation, marking a significant achievement for residents who refused to let their local watering hole disappear.
The pub, which had been operating on a non-profit basis under volunteer management with a leasehold arrangement, faced an uncertain future when the property owner decided to place it on the market in 2024. Rather than accept this outcome, locals, businesses, and local organisations banded together to raise the necessary funds to acquire full ownership.
Manager Shiv Lewis expressed her relief and optimism about the purchase, emphasising that the outcome represents far more than just saving a building—it’s about preserving a vital community asset. The successful acquisition means staff members like Lewis can continue their work with confidence, knowing their employment is now secure within a community-owned enterprise that prioritises connection over profit margins.
Why the Garibaldi Matters to Our Community
For many residents across Redhill and surrounding areas like Horsley and Dorking, the Garibaldi represents far more than a place to grab a drink. The pub has become a cornerstone of community life, hosting local groups, community events, and activities that bring neighbours together regularly. This multifaceted role distinguishes it from typical commercial establishments—every pound spent at the bar directly supports community programmes and initiatives.
The venue’s rich history stretches back 150 years, with the building itself carrying historical significance. Co-director Juilet Whitemore explains that the Garibaldi is named after Italian unification figure Giuseppe Garibaldi, who reportedly delivered a speech near the location during a UK visit in the nineteenth century. This heritage adds cultural depth to what could otherwise be overlooked as just another local pub.
What makes this particular establishment special is its commitment to being a genuine hub rather than merely a service provider. Local groups rely on the space for meetings, fundraisers, and social gatherings. The reinvestment of profits into community activities creates a virtuous cycle where patronage directly benefits neighbourhood wellbeing. For people in surrounding villages and towns working on home improvements—whether kitchen renovation or bathroom refurbishment projects—the Garibaldi serves as a meeting place to connect with local tradespeople and contractors.
What Happens Next: Celebrating Ownership and Facing Challenges
Now that ownership is secured, the Garibaldi Community Pub CIC faces the practical reality of long-term sustainability. Leadership acknowledges that significant work remains ahead, including managing the new mortgage and maintaining the building to modern standards. However, the collective ownership model provides resilience that traditional commercial operations might lack—community investment in the pub’s success runs deeper when residents are stakeholders rather than mere customers.
The team has organised celebrations during the August bank holiday weekend to mark this achievement and thank everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort. These events will showcase the pub’s community spirit and invite residents to experience it with renewed appreciation, knowing they played a role in its preservation.
Local support has been crucial, with recognition extended to MP Rebecca Paul and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for backing the campaign, alongside numerous local businesses and individual donors. For residents in surrounding areas including Guildford, Woking, and East Horsley who value independent community spaces, the Garibaldi’s success offers an inspiring blueprint. As the CIC spokesperson noted, patrons can now enjoy their pints knowing they’re genuinely supporting their own community—a sentiment increasingly rare in today’s retail landscape.
