1830. And Counting.
The Blackbird first opened its doors in 1830, when Thomas King pulled the first pint under licence from All Souls College, Oxford. The Grade II listed building - with its characterful rubble stone walls, slate roof and traditional barred casements - has been part of Padbury ever since.
For nearly two centuries, this is where the village has gathered. Celebrations and catch-ups. Quiz nights and quiet pints. The everyday moments that make a community.
When The Blackbird's future looked uncertain, Padbury didn't let it go quietly. Padbury Community Hub - a Community Benefit Society - stepped in, and local volunteers rolled up their sleeves to reopen the pub and café.
The next chapter is ownership. We have the chance to buy The Blackbird outright through the raising of funds via community shares - turning "run by the community" into "owned by the community," for good.