Craft Union Hits 600 Pubs! The Fleece and Flagon

We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of our 600th pub, a significant milestone in our journey to bring exceptional community pubs back to life. The Fleece and Flagon, previously known as the Chequers, boasts a rich history and is now the 600th pub of Craft Union!

Witney, with its rich history dating back to AD969, has a strong connection to the brewing industry. Its strategic location and numerous old inns are a testament to its importance as a hub for travellers. The Fleece and Flagon is no exception to this tradition. With its fascinating history as a blacksmith’s shop, a baker’s, and even a village hall, it’s a building steeped in local character.

A New Chapter for the Fleece and Flagon.

At the heart of this new venture is Kylie, a seasoned pub professional with a passion for creating welcoming community spaces. Kylie started her career at 18 working for a pub company and soon worked her way up to management.  She has also worked in a few independently run pubs before buying her own freehold pub in Spain. The pub in Spain closed during the Covid pandemic which made Kylie return to the UK where she found herself working in a local Craft pub, The Park Inn, Hartlepool. 

Kylie then took the step to become an operator with Craft and took on the Golden Cock in Darlington. From there she wanted to settle long term also being closer to her elderly parents.  Kylie loves the picturesque town centre filled with independent businesses and has said it has an instant sense of community and cannot wait to get involved and become a big part of it.

Investment in the Fleece and Flagon

We’ve invested significantly in transforming this historic pub into a vibrant community hub. The front of the pub has been carefully restored to preserve its heritage, while new signage enhances its curb appeal and signals the exciting changes within. We've also created a welcoming outdoor space with comfortable seating, a covered area, and heating, perfect for enjoying the Oxfordshire weather.

Inside, the pub has been given a fresh look with new colour schemes, carpets, and furniture, while retaining the charming original stone floors. We've added a modern touch with a Craft Union illuminated darts throw, which is already proving a hit with locals. The bar area has been upgraded with a new back bar fitting, featuring advertising screens and plenty of space for showcasing our fantastic range of drinks.

To ensure you never miss a moment of the sporting action, we've installed a full Sky/TNT package with multiple TVs and an impressive AV system for superb sound quality. We're also excited to introduce live music and entertainment to the pub, with Kylie planning to host local singers.

To the future!

We're confident that the new-look Chequers will quickly become a beloved local watering hole. Kylie and her team are committed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.