After a two-year long community campaign to save, purchase and restore the historic village pub, The Chequers in Roxwell, Essex is officially reopening its doors: with new tenants, a stunning refurbishment, and a mission to once again serve as the beating heart of Roxwell village life.
This milestone marks the culmination of a remarkable grassroots effort led by the Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society (RCCBS), which raised over £600,000 through a combination of grants, community fundraising and a successful community share offer. The Chequers, a Grade II-listed country pub located just four miles from Chelmsford, was purchased by the community in April 2024, and has since undergone a major refurbishment.
Now, with the pub lovingly restored, new tenants Sam Davies and David Wheeler, previously of the Foresters Arms pub in Loughton, are ready to breathe life back into The Chequers.
In a statement Sam and David said: “First and foremost, we’d like to thank the entire community for creating something truly special. It’s an absolute privilege to have been chosen as the new tenants of The Chequers. We’re thrilled to be bringing a great selection of beers, wines, and much more to The Chequers. In time, we’ll also be serving delicious home-cooked food, including our signature Sunday roast, which we can’t wait for you to try. We’re really looking forward to getting to know you all, building lasting relationships, and creating new traditions that the whole village can enjoy and be proud of.”
Known for their warmth and professionalism, Sam and David are passionate about running a genuinely community-focused pub — one that offers high-quality local ales, affordable and hearty food, and a welcoming atmosphere for families, visitors to the village, and dog friends alike.
Emma Drakeford, RCCBS Management Committee Member, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sam and David to The Chequers and couldn’t imagine a better pair to take the reins at this exciting new chapter. Their passion for traditional hospitality and genuine enthusiasm for community pubs is exactly what this village needs. After everything the community has achieved to get us here — from forming RCCBS, to raising the funds, to restoring the building — we can’t wait to see The Chequers thriving once again.”
The pub features a characterful bar area, an open fireplace, multiple cosy snugs, a beautiful garden, and a newly fitted commercial kitchen. The tenant’s flat above the pub has also been fully refurbished as part of the project.
The RCCBS’s successful campaign has already received national attention, including as Runner-Up in CAMRA’s 2024 Pub Saving Award — in recognition of the community’s dedication, resilience and vision.
The Chequers is expected to open its doors on 28 June 2025, with full details to be announced via social media channels.
