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The Fleece Inn

Worcestershire, WR11 7JE
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About The Fleece Inn

Community shines through in the atmosphere of the Fleece Inn.

We view ourselves as a destination-led rural business with our heart in the community, combining heritage, history, high-quality food and drink, accommodation, weddings, and an extensive events programme, plus cider production, festivals and national media exposure. Despite ticking the correct boxes as a business, we view our pub as more than that. We see ourselves as more than a preserved exhibit.

The Fleece Inn is a working, breathing pub, a living museum where heritage, hospitality and community coexist. We have our community at the heart of everything we do, and it is clear to us that feeling is reciprocated in the love and support we get in return from our locals.

“In our own words, we are the heart of the community because we have the community in our hearts. The Fleece Inn embodies a living museum and a living community; Guests aren’t simply visiting a pub; they’re stepping into accumulated community memory. We pride ourselves on running a working, breathing pub, and a living museum where heritage, hospitality and
community coexist.”

About the Local Community

We open our pub to community groups in so many different ways, but a few examples would include: Bretforton Old Farts Club, breast cancer discussion group, church children’s art club, car
clubs, book club, hosting local bands and more.

Being close and getting to know our regulars has allowed us to have a real positive impact. One time we have gone above and beyond would be offering help and mentoring a local person in his own hospitality journey, helping him get started. He now currently runs the local town cask ale pub and is a successful operator. Aside from this, In 2025 alone, our events raised over £3,500 for local causes including Bretforton Silver Band and church initiatives.

About Local Businesses

As part of our community, suppliers and local businesses are very important and vital to how we chose to operate the Fleece Inn. Over 50% of produce is sourced within 30 miles and over 90% of real ales within one hour’s drive, directly supporting independent rural producers and reducing food miles. This approach has been part of how we operate for over 15 years, and recent improvements include moving to more local free-range egg suppliers, a more local dry/frozen supplier, local coffee grinders and local sourdough bakers. We do product and supplier tastings, to ensure that what we serve is up the standard our customers deserve.

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About Staff at The Fleece Inn

We want The Fleece to feel welcoming to everyone. This includes thoughtful service, patience, clear communication and ongoing staff development plus step-free, accessible WC and assisted parking arrangements. This year, through our Attitude is Everything Bronze Award journey, staff can access training in inclusivity, menopause at work, active bystander awareness and Mental Health First Aid. We lead through visibility, management by walking about remains central to my approach. Open communication, flexible scheduling, peer support and genuine appreciation underpin our culture. Team members are encouraged to contribute ideas, shape events and take ownership. Wellbeing is influenced by the culture people work within. By maintaining stability, where staffing changes are gentle rather than tidal, we preserve continuity, reduce stress and support mental resilience. Our HR lead can deliver structured wellbeing support when needed, and when there is a clear need to intervene we take a measured, sensitive and discreet approach focused on resolution.

About Charity Work at The Fleece Inn

We do the best we can when it comes to supporting all areas of our community through a multitude of different ways, including:

Church support – ongoing fundraising through auctions and events for our nearest neighbour, St Leonards Church. I initiated
fundraising for a stained-glass window; I am treasurer of the PCC and a bell ringer
• Bretforton Village School – former Governor and deputy Chair; fundraising for musical instruments; hosting the school’s annual
Christmas dinner and Santa duties
• Sponsor Bretforton Show – committee member since inception; provide marquees and a bar (and judge the alcoholic drinks
category!)
• Bretforton Proms – committee member; fundraising; source & book catering; Festival compere
• Bretforton Silver Band – host concerts and annual Asparagus Auction; trustee and supporter; compere Christmas concert
• Bretforton Amateur Dramatics – founder member and regular performer; provide rehearsal space and after-show parties
• Bretforton Colts – sponsor kit
• Maintain an orchard community noticeboard and promote village events online
• Support Morris dancing (three resident sides and a fourth who practise at the village hall but call us home!)
• Host Wassail, Apple & Ale and Sing in the Spring traditions
• Asparagus – as Chair of the Asparagus CIC, we work to spread the word of Vale of Evesham asparagus nationally and
internationally
• Community pubs – support others seeking to acquire/manage community pubs through freelance & pre-bono work including
with the Plunkett Foundation.

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