The future of a cherished Pembrokeshire pub was up for discussion at a meeting this week.

In a significant gathering called by St. Florence Community Council and supported by County Councillor for the ward Cllr Rhys Jordan, residents of St. Florence convened last night (February 5) to discuss the future of cherished local establishment The Parsonage Inn, which has recently closed its doors to the public.

The meeting, held at St Florence Village Hall, aimed to gauge community interest, and explore potential pathways for the revitalisation of the pub as a community-run venture.

The discussion, marked by a robust exchange of views, covered the spectrum of possibilities, challenges, and steps needed to possibly bring The Parsonage Inn back to life.

Both the advantages and drawbacks of a community takeover were thoroughly debated, providing a clear picture of the hurdles faced by the community in this endeavour.

Cllr Jordan underscored the community's strong desire to see pub reopen its doors.

“It’s evident that the people of St. Florence hold The Parsonage Inn in high regard and are eager to explore every avenue to ensure its future,” said Cllr. Jordan.

He emphasised the importance of tempering enthusiasm with realism, noting: “While there's a palpable appetite for action, we must approach this process with patience and understanding that success is not guaranteed and will require time, effort, and collective commitment.”

The reasons behind the closure of The Parsonage Inn were also discussed, highlighting the complexities facing local pubs in today's economic and social landscape.

Despite these challenges, the meeting illuminated a unified desire to do something meaningful for the future of the pub.

St. Florence Community Council is now calling on residents who are interested in being part of this ambitious project to come forward.

Whether it's to join a working group, contribute ideas, or provide support in any form, the council welcomes the involvement of community members eager to see The Parsonage Inn thrive once again.

“This is more than just about reopening a pub; it's about revitalising a piece of our community's heart and soul,” said Cllr Rob Davies on behalf of St. Florence Community Council.

“We are at the beginning of a journey, and it will take the village to navigate the path ahead.”

Residents wishing to contribute their thoughts, ideas, or express interest in involvement are encouraged to reach out to St. Florence Community Council directly.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the feasibility and direction of this community initiative.

For further information, to get involved, or to share your ideas, please contact St. Florence Community Council at: [email protected]