Community pub's campaign to buy its premises

A community pub in Redhill is continuing to raise funds to purchase its 150-year-old premises.

The Garibaldi, run on a non-profit basis by volunteers, currently leases its building but has been raising funds to buy the site since 2024, when its owner opted to sell the property.

Reigate MP Rebecca Paul praised the "amazing" pub during a House of Commons debate on Monday but warned it was "now at risk" if it could not complete the purchase.

"Rather ironically, the pub is so much more than bricks and mortar but it needs to buy the bricks and mortar if it is to survive," she said.

The community group that has operated the pub since 2017 held an event in May as part of its fundraising efforts.

Ms Paul told MPs "every bit of profit The Garibaldi makes gets ploughed back into things that benefit the community" and the pub "gives back to the community in so many ways".

The Garibaldi was "doing a sterling job of trying to raise the money", the MP added.

The bar hosts regular social events and its outdoor space is now a community garden managed by volunteers.

Responding to Ms Paul's comments, minister Alex Norris said he was "very interested in meeting" the MP to discuss what support the government could give The Garibaldi.

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