The only pub in a quiet Wiltshire hamlet has been given vital legal protection, securing its future as the heart of the community.
The New Inn at Coate, a characterful village pub known for its mural-covered exterior, has officially been granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status following an application by Bishops Cannings Parish Council.
Owned by Wadworth, the pub is far more than just a place for a pint. It features a traditional skittle alley, a covered front courtyard, a large beer garden, and even caravan and campsite facilities — making it a true hub for locals and visitors alike.
But what makes The New Inn truly special is its role in village life.
In the successful application to Wiltshire Council, parish clerk Alison Kent highlighted just how central the pub is to the community.
“The New Inn is the only pub in the village and serves as the only gathering place for Coate residents,” she said.
“There are no other public community meeting spaces within Coate.”
The pub plays host to virtually every local event imaginable — from village days and produce shows to quiz nights, skittles leagues, book groups, cribbage matches, and race nights. It has also been at the centre of major national celebrations at a local level, including events for VE Day, the Coronation of King Charles III, and the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Seasonal gatherings such as summer picnics, sports days, and charity events have all taken place within its grounds, reinforcing its role as the beating heart of the hamlet.
The newly granted ACV status now gives the community a powerful safeguard: if the pub is ever put up for sale, local residents will have the right to bid to purchase it and keep it running for future generations.
In an era where rural pubs continue to face mounting pressures, The New Inn’s protection is a significant win — not just for Coate, but as a reminder of the vital role pubs play in holding communities together.
