A long-standing Leamington pub is fighting to save its future through support from the local community.

The New Bulldog pub on St Margaret's Road reopened under new ownership earlier this year (2026).

This followed a significant rebrand led by the pub's landlord, Carmen Anderson.

Now, Carmen is running a campaign which she says is "about much more than saving a pub." It is about protecting "a vital community asset and preserving local control over how it is run" shared Carmen.

The campaign comes at a time where The New Bulldog is facing a situation where Punch, a company that runs pubs, is proposing to end Carmen's tenancy at will, just weeks before she reaches her 12-month anniversary as landlord.

This would remove important rights that would otherwise become available to Carmen.

It also follows the denial of discussions around a more substantial agreement which would have provided the security needed to invest in the pub's future and develop it as a true community venue.

Carmen shared: "If Punch's plans proceed, both the community and I will lose any meaningful autonomy over decisions relating to the pub. This includes preventing the opening of a kitchen to provide affordable food to local people and restricting the use of the function room for community events, activities and gatherings.

"Instead, the pub would become a purely wet-led operation, with Punch controlling sales and income while retaining the vast majority of the profits."

In response a Punch Pubs & Co. spokesperson shared: "We are excited to offer our guests an improved experience at The New Bulldog once our planned refurbishment gets underway. We understand how important the pub is locally and we will continue to ensure it remains a community focussed pub."

It was also confirmed that Punch is transferring The New Bulldog from its Leased and Tenanted estate to its Management Partner estate on 1 September 2026.

Punch has invited Ms Anderson to apply for the future position of Management Partner

The New Bulldog will undergo refurbishment works in September, reopening shortly thereafter

Speaking to Nub News, Carmen expressed her vision for The New Bulldog has always been to create a thriving community hub that brings people together, supports local groups, provides affordable food, hosts events and gives residents a genuine voice in its future.

"We believe pubs should be at the heart of their communities, not simply operated as profit centres with decisions made elsewhere."

Carmen and the team at The New Bulldog are now appealing to the local community to stand with them, whether this be through donating to the fundraiser, sharing the pub's story, attending events or simply spreading the word.

"Every action makes a difference. This is not just about one tenancy. It is about protecting a community asset and ensuring local people retain a say in how their pub is run.

"If we lose this fight, our community risks losing a venue with enormous potential to provide affordable food, host local events, support community initiatives and serve as a genuine hub for the area. We need the community's support now more than ever to show that The New Bulldog belongs to the people it serves and should remain run for the benefit of the community."

Despite the challenges The New Bulldog face, the team remains optimistic about the future.

Already, a vast amount of support has been shown, which Carmen said shows " just how much The New Bulldog means to local people."

Carmen further shared: "We believe that, together, we can secure a future where the pub continues to thrive as a welcoming, inclusive and community-led space for generations to come.

"Every donation, every share and every show of support brings us one step closer to protecting a place that belongs at the heart of our community.

"With the community's support, we believe The New Bulldog can become a model for what a modern community pub should be: locally led, socially valuable, financially sustainable and open to everyone."

To support The New Bulldog and donate to the campaign visit here.

Follow The New Bulldog on Instagram and Facebook and find out more online here.