Cambridgeshire pub saved by the community set to open next month after appointing new tenants
A Cambridgeshire pub that was saved by the local community has appointed new tenants and will be opening next month.
The Three Tuns in Guilden Morden, a grade II listed village pub stood empty for more than six years, but following a huge concerted effort by many of the 280 shareholders and 12 committee members, the pub has been beautifully restored and is ready to open its doors under the helm of experienced tenants, Peter and Megan Friskey.
The couple have years of experience in running successful pubs. Peter is an accomplished chef with more than two decades of experience. He has held various senior chef positions including: The Anchor, Cambridge; Red Lion, Hinxton; Black Bull, Balsham; The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden; Crown & Punchbowl, Horningsea, as well as being head chef at Windsor Castle and more recently as manager and chef at the Sir Douglas Haig in Surrey.
Megan has worked as assistant pub manager at the Black Bull in Balsham for five years. More recently she has worked as a legal PA for a top 100 law firm in Surrey.
John Harrison, chairman of Guilden Morden Community Pub, said: “We have overcome so many hurdles to secure this important village asset for the community for generations to come, that finally being close to opening its doors to the public is an incredible achievement and one GMCP is immensely proud of.
“We have had volunteers working full time on the pub for months and many others giving up weekends, a few hours here and there to help renovate and restore this beautiful old pub. The pub and two bedroom flat have been renovated and decorated throughout. The interior has been designed and up-cycled furniture restored and re-upholstered thanks to a team of talented local craftspeople. The 0.5 acre garden has also been re-designed.
“The project has brought the whole community together and there is a lot of excitement mounting for the opening. Peter and Megan will be a real asset to the village and we wish them every success.”
Megan Friskey said: “We are very much looking forward to taking over The Three Tuns and becoming part of the community, into which we have already been made to feel extremely welcome. We cannot wait to invite you all to see the incredible transformation that is the product of a lot of hours of hard work from the committee and volunteers to whom we offer our sincere thanks.
"Peter has been working hard on the new menu which will be a combination of classic and modern British cuisine. We will be offering a dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere in a superb location with attentive service.”
Bernard Lee, Plunkett, adviser at the Plunkett Foundation, which supports rural communities across the UK, said: “Congratulations to the team at the Three Tuns. GMCP has taken a closed down neglected old pub and turned it into a gem.
The determination of this team has been remarkable and it has been an honour to provide training and consultancy to GMCP and volunteers from the concept. Best wishes to Peter and Megan for their opening in June.”
