A new landlord is being sought for a boarded-up pub near Swindon described as a “blank canvas” popular with locals.
The Patriot’s Arms, in Chiseldon, is empty and the phone lines disconnected after a new couple that was until recently refurbishing it into a “community hub” ran into difficulties.
Despite loving the pub, patrons and village, landlords Graeme and Jane Jeapes said that the business was facing financial and legal battles.
By Monday, September 30, the “Pat’s Arms” was closed with boards covering the windows and Stonegate Group, which owns the pub, are advertising for a tenant to run the pub on its website. 
It is not known when this advert appeared in relation to the pub shutting. The advert’s webpage has been up since 2023 but the ad’s pictures show the pub with recent refurbishment work by Graeme and Jane, suggesting it was recently updated.
The pub can be rented for £32,000 per year on a fixed term tenancy and Stonegate forecasts a weekly turnover of £8,846.
Stonegate’s regional manager describes the Patriot’s as “a bit of a blank canvas” with “stacks of opportunity” for serving food and drink.
The advert says: “The Patriots is a great pub to start your exploration of the Marlborough Downs!
“Large garden and carpark all adding to the potential. Great little village that really support the pub.”
The ideal operator is an “experienced operator looking to put their own stamp on the pub and drive it forward”.
The pictures show the pub following some of the refurbishment work by Graeme and Jane, including dividing the pub into a bar and a sit-down dining area.
READ MORE: Community pub boarded up after months of struggles and promises
The dining area has booths and tables and was to be separated from the bar with its pool table by bi-folding doors.
The pictures do not show the pub’s garden which was being remodelled with a children’s play area - with support from local businesses - in keeping with wishes that the pub be family-friendly.
The kitchen was due to reopen in September while the pub continued serving drinks - but this became increasingly difficult.
The last message issued to punters stated: “For weeks it has been a battle, financially.
"I do understand the frustration and worries about the stability of the Patriot Arms.
“No one is more embarrassed about the shortage of stock now at the moment than we are.
“But I love this village and people, hence why I am still fighting.”
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