The Mortimer Community Benefit Society was founded in May 2018 to purchase the Bell at Yarpole, a community owned pub in North Herefordshire situated midway between the market towns of Ludlow and Leominster. 257 people have become shareholders and work together to ensure the long term survival of the Bell at Yarpole. Would you like to join us? For £100.00 you can be a part owner in this 17th century heritage pub. By becoming a shareholder you are able to vote at the AGM and help direct and preserve the building. Please download a Share Application form.

At the end of 2023 our tenant decided that he could no longer run the pub. After a period of negotiation, as to the terms of his release from his contract with us, the community regained control of the Bell at Yarpole. The decision was taken to manage the pub as a community venture. Initially the Bell opened every Friday night. From February 2024 we have teamed up with experienced chef Michael Collis and opened on Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes offering a varied menu of good and reasonably priced food. We then started opening on a Wednesday evening for a midweek social; an opportunity to meet and play a variety of games. Crib, Dominoes and Backgammon have proved to be popular.

As we have gained momentum and income from the business we have increased the pub opening hours. Currently we are relying on volunteers for the majority of the work; this, too, will change as we become more profitable. Recently we have appointed a Bar Manager to take us forward on the next stage of our journey. During the summer months we are now open Tuesday to Thursday from 12midday until 10.00pm for both food and drinks, Friday & Saturday lunchtimes and evenings as well as Sunday lunch.

We hope after a period of time that we will be showing a profit and will be in a much better position to look for a strong tenant for the Bell at Yarpole.

Why not come and visit us?

The MCBS held its Annual Members Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 19th October 2023. 

The Accounts for 2022 – 23 can be viewed here.

The Minutes of the AGM can be viewed here. The Discussion on the future of the Bell can be viewed here.

Offering a warm welcome at the heart of our community.

Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority No: 7793

VAT Registration No: 302 0648 51