A campaign to secure the Bat and Ball pub is launched by The Hambledon Club
Bat and Ball at Hambledon Under Threat
The pub’s future is threatened–again
A campaign to secure the long-term future of the legendary Bat and Ball pub at Hambledon – famed around the world as ‘the cradle of cricket’ – is launched this week by The Hambledon Club (established pre-1750, ceased 1796, dormant 202 years, revived 1998).
This is in response to the new owners, Fullers Brewery of London, saying they intend to turn this unique pub into a family restaurant serving fast food. A new manager takes over in early August. Fullers also plan to build a play area for children and expand the restaurant area as soon as possible.
This is the second time such a threat to the Bat and Ball has arisen in barely a dozen years. In 1994, the then owners, Ind Coope, also tried to create a family restaurant. Worse still, they wanted the Bat and Ball renamed ‘Natterjacks’. Both ideas were disastrous, questions were asked in the House of Commons, and the company quickly disposed of the property.
Now a similar threat faces the Bat and Ball after a decade of ownership by Gales Brewery. During that time, under a successful manager with a deep understanding of cricket, the Bat and Ball has been fully restored as a centre of cricket history as well as a successful pub. It is this combination of assets that the Hambledon Club intends to secure.
In a statement on behalf of the Hambledon Club, president Ashley Mote said: “We must ensure that such crises as these, brought on by periodic changes of ownership, are ended. The long-term future of the Bat and Ball can be secured only by transferring ownership permanently to safe hands.”
“If the pub is owned once again by the Club which gave it birth centuries ago, we can ensure that it continues to thrive as a living memorial to the birthplace of the modern game, welcoming players and supporters from all over the world to the unique atmosphere and memorabilia of 250 years past.”
“We are building up the resources and the support to achieve this sensible and necessary objective. Having now made a bid for the freehold of the Bat and Ball, and the business, we trust Fullers will appreciate the strength of feeling about the future of the pub right across the cricketing world”, Mr Mote said.
(Ends)
Notes to Editors:
- Negotiations with Fullers are now proceeding at board level. If successful, the Bat and Ball will become a free house, owned by The Hambledon Club itself, which will be formed into a trust under the trusteeship of eminent members of the cricketing community.
- The Hambledon Club enjoys a worldwide membership of cricket writers, historians, collectors, and students of the early game. It lunches twice yearly at the Bat and Ball to celebrate the legendary exploits of the great club of the late 18th century, which beat all-England 29 times in 51 matches.
- Fullers acquired the Bat and Ball earlier this year when they bought Gales Brewery at Horndean and its tied houses. The brewery itself has since been closed.
- Ashley Mote can be contacted on 07836 220 223
