The Peterborough Arms in Wiltshire is under new management

The Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock has become the latest Wiltshire venue to be taken over by the Broadtown Brewery, currently based in Calne.

The brewers will take over the pub on Monday, November 27, and plan to open it under their management for the first time the following day, to avoid any unnecessary closures.

They will be leasing the premises from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, who own the venue, after the retirement of long-serving publicans Brendan and Michelle Watkins.

The pub was hit hard by the closure of the B4069 at Lyneham Banks, after a major landslip destroyed the busy route in 2022, but has retained a strong regular customer base despite the fall in passing traffic.

New landlord Jason Bayliffe, the owner and founder of Broadtown Brewery, says the “community spirit” that kept the pub open was a key factor behind their decision to take on the management.

The Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “Excited is an understatement, this was the right time for us to take over.

“There is a huge community spirit here which was important to us because the pub has a huge loyal following even with all the issues with the road.

“It has managed to keep trading and that’s all down to the locals who have supported it.

“We’ve always been driven by community based pubs because people buy into them and will continue visiting.”

Broadtown now has several locations around the county, including The Three Crowns in Chippenham and The Hop Chapel in their original home of Broad Town.

This marks a period of rapid growth for the business, which began with Mr Bayliffe and his wife.

The Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock (Image: Newsquest)

There will be an opportunity for both regulars and new customers to meet the pub’s new management team during a welcome party at 7pm on Friday, December 1.

Since the news was announced the trust has paid tribute to Brendan and Michelle for their commitment over the years.

A spokesperson said: “The Trust would like to thank Brendan and Michelle Watkins for all the hard work and dedication they have committed to the Peterborough Arms in the last five years.

“They have created a welcoming great pub venue with wonderful food, drinks, and an enjoyable atmosphere.

“It hasn’t all been easy with the pandemic and road closures, but we have really enjoyed working with them and wish them all the very best for the future.”