The Centurion Vicars Cross Celebrates Becoming a Community-Owned Pub

Saturday 18th January saw a joyous celebration at The Centurion, as the pub marked a significant milestone in its journey to becoming community-owned.

The Centurion, a beloved establishment and the only pub in Vicars Cross, was built in 1966 and has long served as a central meeting point for locals.  However, it wasn’t until 2016 that the local community took a decisive stand to ensure the pub’s future. When Admiral Taverns, the then owners, planned to sell to developers who proposed to demolish the pub and replace it with a care home, the residents of Vicars Cross quickly mobilised.  Recognising the potential loss of an important community asset, they registered The Centurion as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) under planning laws.

Thanks to this move, on 16th September 2016, The Centurion reopened under community-led management, operated by the Centurion Community Action Group Ltd (CCAG), who took out a lease from Admiral Taverns.  The goal was to ultimately purchase the pub from Admiral by the end of the lease period, securing its future for generations to come. On 21st October 2024, The Centurion became owned by the community, run by the community, for the community.  A true success story of local action and determination. 

On Saturday 18th January, the CCAG committee held a celebration day to express their gratitude to everyone who has supported the pub up to this point. The day kicked off with a coffee morning, where free tea, coffee and cake were offered to all who attended.  It was a wonderful way to thank the community for their ongoing support.

From 2-5pm, the pub hosted a family fun day, with free face painting, hair braiding, and festival glitter, ensuring the younger members of the community were well entertained. The pub also generously offered free food to all guests, making it a truly inclusive event.

As the evening drew in, the atmosphere shifted to an adults-only party starting at 8pm. The festivities continued with a DJ and karaoke, providing a lively and fun-filled conclusion to a day of celebrations. The party was a great success, with attendees celebrating the pub’s bright future.

The event was attended by the current Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Razia Daniels, who praised the enthusiasm of the committee and their dedication to keeping the establishment going. "The hard work and commitment shown by the Centurion Community Action Group has been truly inspiring," Cllr Daniels remarked. "This pub is an important part of the local community, and their efforts to preserve it for future generations are commendable."

Elizabeth MacGlashan, the ward councillor, was also present to show her support for the community’s achievements. "The Centurion has been at the heart of Vicars Cross for decades, and I am so pleased to see it flourishing under community ownership," she said. "It’s a real success story, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive."

Claire Sinnott, Chair of the Committee, praised the community’s incredible effort to keep the pub open over the last eight years. "We have reached a significant milestone in the pub’s history. The whole thing wouldn’t have been possible without the people of Vicars Cross getting behind this project and actually putting their hands in their own pockets," she said. "We also had significant investment from the Community Ownership Fund in the form of a grant of £250,000. We couldn’t have secured the future of the pub without this. We are truly thankful to everyone who bought shares and continues to use the pub day to day."

The Centurion, now firmly a community-owned venue, has become more than just a place to gather for a drink – it has evolved into the heart of the local community. As the only pub in Vicars Cross, it serves as a hub for socialising, organising, and connecting, welcoming people of all ages.

The event on Saturday was a vibrant and heartfelt thank you to the many individuals and families who have supported the pub throughout its journey. It was a testament to the power of local action, and to the future that can be built when a community comes together.

The Centurion’s future is now in the hands of the community, and its continued success will be a symbol of what can be achieved through unity and determination.