Following its reopening last year Kemi Badenoch MP visited the Axe and Compasses pub to hear more about the renovation work since the devastating fire in 2022.
Mrs Badenoch was joined by Cllr Edward Oliver to speak with the Green King team and owners David and Emma Christou, whose family have run the pub for over 30 years.
They discussed the ongoing challenges for many pubs, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, with rising costs and changing customer habits. The Government froze both alcohol duty and continue business rates support, as a vote of confidence in pubs, brewers and cidermakers across the country.
The Axe and Compasses has also benefited from the Government’s Rural Rate Relief, designed to support stores, shops, post offices and pubs in small, rural communities such as Arkesden.
Commenting Mrs Badenoch said:
“It was amazing to see how David and Emma have attentively restored and retained the pub’s historic features, whilst also bringing in modern solar panels, a heat pump, and new high-spec Airbnb accommodation as part of the revamp.
“Our village pubs are not just businesses; they are part of our community. The Axe and Compasses, with its rich history, plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of Arkesden and I am so pleased to see it reopened again.”
Commenting Emma and David Christou said:
"We are thrilled to have been able to oversee the rebuild of our cherished pub and welcome its reopening.
“Our family are proud to have been here for the past 32 years and the support from customers old and new has been outstanding.
“We can now look forward to many more happy years at the Axe & Compasses.
