New Hampshire country pub opening delayed for two weeks

The Great Decoy, a venue from the Chickpea Group, was originally set to open in Hurstbourne Tarrant on May 29 but will now launch on June 12.

The delay was confirmed in an Instagram post by Chickpea Group co-founder Ethan Davids.

Mr Davids said: "I need to eat some humble pie and let everyone know that the Great Decoy opening has been postponed from the 29th of May to the 12th of June.

"A very difficult decision but I feel for the pub to have the best possible start we need a bit more time to get ready inside."

He explained that unexpected issues and expanding plans have extended the timeline.

Mr Davids said: "A few spanners have been thrown in the works throughout the project and the project has increased in scope from the moment we got the keys.

"I appreciate that there will be some disappointment, you share it with me more than anyone else, but we've got the most amazing new team of people coming to the pub."

The Great Decoy will be Chickpea Group’s 10th pub and first location in Hampshire.

Formerly known as the George & Dragon, the pub has been renamed to reflect its wartime history.

Mr Davids said: "Some of them haven't worked with us before and for that reason, a little bit more time from the pub being finished to the doors being opened will give them the best possible start to their careers at the Great Decoy and at Chickpea.

"We don't do things in half measures and we've got a really long-term view of things which is why I think that delaying it by two weeks, very painful for a number of reasons, is the right thing to do."

He thanked supporters for their patience and confirmed that anyone with reservations will be contacted.

Chickpea Group is an independent hospitality company founded by siblings Ethan and Jordan Davids and their school friend Tommy Tullis, who set out to revive village pubs across the South West.

The trio took on their first site in Zeals, Wiltshire, in 2019 and have since built a portfolio of pubs with rooms and pizzerias, focusing on seasonal menus, local suppliers and relaxed, community-led hospitality.

The Great Decoy will be their 10th venue and first in Hampshire, reflecting the group’s gradual expansion beyond its Wiltshire heartland while maintaining its emphasis on long-term investment in rural pubs.