Hungerford welcomes new licensees at The Downgate

ARKELL'S Brewery has announced a new partnership at the helm of The Downgate pub on the edge of Hungerford Common.

They are Christopher 'Budgie' Hall and his life-long friend, Jenny Tracey.

The watering hole, often listed in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide, has had a caretaker manager in recent weeks.

Now Geordie Taylor has handed over the keys.

Mr Hall said: "We wanted to save The Downgate from shutting down.

"It's long been a favourite pub of locals within the town, and we didn’t want to see its doors shut.

"It's always been a lifelong ambition of mine to one day run a pub and I always envisioned it being The Downgate.

"The pub is the perfect size, and the location is more than ideal, situated right on the common for local dog walkers and visitors to pop by."

Ms Tracey, who lost her husband, Richard, to cancer in 2020, said: "I've been passionate about Hungerford for the longest time – I grew up here and grew my family here.

"Taking on The Downgate will be a new challenge for us both but we love the community and how wonderful the people of the town are."

Mr Hall said of their plans for the pub: "We aim to bring back the spirit of a public house and the old-fashioned values that brings with it.

"We want to bring the community together, whilst serving local produce and local Wiltshire beer.

"We'll be serving good quality, traditional pub food in a family-friendly environment.

"We hope to give back to the community and bring joy, love, and laughter to the town, just as the community has done for ourselves over the years, supporting us through good times and bad."

Ms Tracey added: "We hope you all take a chance on us and continue to support The Downgate, whatever future may come.

"Thank you all for the love and support – we can’t wait to welcome you all."