Farm to fork Catherine bids to turn pub into foodie hub with local focus

SHE has battled for years as Bristol's last farmer, but now after being forced out of Yew Tree Farm, Catherine Withers is planning a new venture - saving a village pub on the edge of Bristol.

- Tristan CORK

The farmer, environmentalist and campaigner has bought the Prince's Motto pub in Barrow Gurney, and now plans to create a pub and restaurant that's a hub for local food production.

The building has stood empty for around 18 months and was put up for sale after having five different landlords in six years and a troubled time during Covid and in the years since.

A local campaign to save it got started in June 2024 with plans to create a community-owned family-friendly venue emerging from a public meeting in Barrow Gurney back in October last year. But after meeting with villagers, Catherine Withers told the Post she has been welcomed as the person to "breathe life back" into the venue and turn it back into a community village pub.

At Yew Tree Farm, Catherine created an environmentally-friendly mixed farm that was so successful at creating a haven for wildlife it was designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.