News / The Pony Chew Valley
Two sibling pairs unite to rebuild decades old pub
Two pairs of siblings have collaborated to create a brand-new addition to an already revered hospitality group.
Josh and Holly Eggleton of The Pony Group have taken over The Pelican – a pub in Chew Magna – along with pub-running siblings Lottie and Josh Bryant.
The pub that was first established in 1615, has been an inn or hotel for as long as it can be remembered with strong community links.
is needed now More than ever
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The Eggleton siblings who associate The Pelican with “fond memories” said: “We have always wanted to have accommodation as part of The Pony family, it’s been an aspiration of ours for years and we’ve kept a lookout for the right location.
“We used to go to The Pelican as kids and have fond memories of it, so it’s a natural extension for us to give it a new lease of life while growing The Pony experience beyond the restaurant.”
The two-phase launch started with the opening of the pub on Friday and will be followed by the introduction of luxurious bedrooms in the spring of 2025 for phase two.
Both Lottie and Josh Bryant, have run The Pelican for five years, along with their day jobs.
The Pelican is just a short distance from The Pony restaurant in Chew Magna
They said: “Having run a pub in the valley for the past five years, we’re excited to be teaming up with old friends to bring something new to Chew Magna.
“We share Josh & Holly’s love for hospitality and for the Chew Valley area, so teaming up on this project has been the most rewarding experience and we can’t wait to welcome people through the doors.”
For now, the pub will serve beers, ciders and ales from Bristol Beer Factory and Wilding Cider along with a selection of bar snacks and occasional pizzas from Soul Dough.
Josh, Holly, Lottie and Josh have an old connection, having once attended school together.
With this new collaboration between the two sibling pairs, The Pelican will now form an extension of its sister restaurant The Pony, which is just a five-minute walk from the several decades-old pub.
All photos: Ed Schofield
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