After being closed for nearly three years, the pub has been carefully restored under the guidance of Mark Higgs, owner of Freespirit Pubs, in partnership with Wells & Co, the pub and brewery company based in Bedford.
In its first year back, the pub has welcomed the local community with open doors, hosting charity fundraisers, village gatherings, and providing a space for clubs and community groups to come together. Through these efforts, The Olde Coach House has once again truly re-established itself as the beating heart of Ashby St Ledger.
Alongside hosting a range of community-focused events, the team lead and managed by Sylwia Zychowiczhave overseen a complete transformation of the pub’s environment and menu. The interior has been thoughtfully ‘zoned’ to create distinct experiences: the front of the pub offers a warm, cosy space for casual drinks and relaxed bites to eat, while the rear provides a more formal dining area for those seeking a traditional restaurant experience.
On the menu, customers will find British classics such as beer battered haddock, ribeye steak and cider braised pork belly alongside some seasonal specials created by Head Chef Gil. Behind the bar, there’s a fantastic selection of craft beer, including a range of Brewpoint-brewed beers from Wells & Co, cask ale, wine and cocktails.
Mark Higgs, owner of Freespirit Pubs, said: “This first year at The Olde Coach House has reminded us just how powerful pubs can be in bringing people together. When we took it on, we knew it had the potential to be something special again – a space for laughter, for local causes, for everyday connections.
“Pubs are the beating hearts of their communities, and seeing this one come back to life with such warmth and energy has been incredibly rewarding. Sylwia and the team have done an outstanding job and deserve so much recognition. We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone who’s supported us over the past year.”
Philippa Stanbridge, Retail Development Manager at Wells & Co, added: “Mark and the Freespirit team have done a fantastic job of restoring The Olde Coach House to its former glory. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to the community shine through in everything they do. This anniversary isn’t just about a successful year of trading, it’s about a village getting its pub back, and a pub finding its purpose again.”
A one-year anniversary celebration party will be held on Friday 14th November and the whole local community is invited to come along. The evening is free to attend and will include a drink of arrival and entertainment throughout the night.
To find out more about The Olde Coach Inn and all other events taking place at the pub, visit their website: coachhouseatashbystledgers.co.uk
