21/11/2025
As we near the final month of 2025, I can’t help but reflect on the year we’ve had. This year has been a bit of a whirl wind and if I’m being frank, it’s hard to believe that we are nearing 2026 already. So many wonderful things have happened within the Freespirit family, and I wanted to take the opportunity this week to name a few personal highlights.
Now, The George Inn may not have been part of the Freespirit family for very long, but it has certainly made an impact. The George opened at the beginning of October, and it’s had such a cracking start. Jess and the team have been working hard to get this site up and running, and the result has been fantastic. We still have quite a journey to go on with The George, but as I have told myself quite a few times in the past few years, it’s important to enjoy the journey – not just focus on the result. My personal highlight with The George is, of course, the opening night. It encompassed everything I love about village pubs – community, spirit, vibrancy. We have high hopes for this pub, and I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength.
The most obvious one for The Bell Inn, is the opening of the beautiful Shepherds’ huts in June. For those of you who have followed our journey, the huts took years of planning, work and dedication. It has been fantastic to see them open and in full swing. I had the pleasure of staying in one the other evening for the first time and they really are beautiful so please, if you haven’t already, it is definitely worth giving them a try.
Another highlight that is certainly worth mentioning, is the expansion of our wonderful team. This year, we have welcomed a few new members to the Freespirit family, and it has been a pleasure having them on board.
If you have visited one of our sites this year (perhaps more than once!) then I would love to hear what your personal Freespirit highlight has been. It could be a delicious Sunday Lunch with family, or a coffee and a catch up with an old friend. Perhaps you had a memorable interaction with a member of our team? Or enjoyed exploring the local surroundings? Whatever it is, I want to know.
Have a great weekend all
Big Love
Mark