80s singing legend backs village bid to save UK pub

The former Spandau Ballet legend is supporting the campaign to save The Rose & Thistle in Haddenham, near Thame.

So far, the crowdfunding campaign, entitled The Rose & Thistle Reborn, has raised more than £65,000.

READ MORE: ‘Cheaper’ special train fares

The village hostelry has been selected as the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

Singer Tony Hadley (Image: Ashendon Community Pub Society)

Mr Hadley, who enjoyed a string of bestselling hits with Spandau Ballet, including Gold, True, Communication, and Lifeline, said: “I am wholeheartedly, absolutely supporting the community of Haddenham in trying to get The Rose & Thistle back open again.

“It’s a fantastic little pub – I have been there many times in the past. We have to preserve our village and small town pubs.”

The singer urged people to buy shares to back the crowdfunding campaign.

The Rose & Thistle in Haddenham (Image: The Rose & Thistle Reborn)

The crowdfunding campaign says: “The Rose & Thistle is an iconic pub in the heart of the conservation area of Haddenham, by the village green and opposite St Mary’s Church – a place that has hosted countless meals, celebrations, conversations and chance encounters over the years.

“Tragically, Rose & Thistle closed in 2019 and, while the current owners had hoped to reopen, it is now for sale and at risk of being sold to developers and converted to a residential property. And once a pub is turned into a house, it’s almost impossible to bring it back.

“We’re not here to be alarmist – but we are being honest: this is a time-limited opportunity. If we do nothing, we may lose the pub for good. We need your help to stop it from being last orders at The Rose & Thistle.”

The campaign is moving forward by selling shares in the pub. For more visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/rose-and-thistle-community-benefit-society

The project has formed a Community Benefit Society (CBS) called Haddenham Community Public House Limited (HCPH).

The society said in a statement: “HCPH has the sole intention of buying the Rose & Thistle premises and leasing it to a professional pub landlord who will operate the business according to the team’s vision.

“To make this a reality HCPH aims to sell community shares, using the funds raised to buy, refurbish and reopen the pub. Shares will be £1 each with a minimum investment of £100 and a maximum of £100,000 per person.”

The pub sign for the Rose & Thistle (Image: Contributed)

Members of the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have highlighted the bid to reopen the pub.

In 2024, Mr Hadley backed the Ashendon Community Pub Society as it raised £549,494 to save its village pub, the Hundred of Ashendon, as a community asset near the Oxfordshire border.

The gastropub had been closed, having previously appeared in the Michelin guide before the efforts of the community as well as support coming from places as far as the USA and Japan.