It’s the taste of Wiltshire and was inspired by one of the county’s best-loved pubs which is now being saved from closure and will be run by the community.
The ingredients for condiments specialist Tracklements’ British Beer Mustard were decided by the company’s owner, the late William Tullberg, and his son Guy at The Ivy in Heddington where they loved to go for a pint after work.
The Grade II-listed thatched-roofed pub dating back to the 17th Century is owned by Wadworth’s Brewery based in Devizes and its classic 6X original ale is what gives the beer mustard its distinctive flavour.
The pub was put up for sale in May 2024 and closed three months later but the good news is that the community is so determined to save and reopen it they’ve set up a Community Benefit Society called The Friends of The Ivy which is now raising money – including a forthcoming share issue – to buy the landmark pub from the brewery, renovate it and transform it into a community hub.
The Grade II-listed pub is registered as an Asset of Community Value with plans for it to be a pub, café, shop and community hub.
Award-winning Tracklements – based in Malmesbury, Wiltshire – provides its beer mustard and other products for the likes of Harrods and Waitrose. It’s now headed up by managing director Guy who has fully backed the plans to save The Ivy which means so much to him.
He revealed: “Almost every day after work we’d head out to Heddington to be at the Ivy for bang on 6pm and the landlord, Sid Alexander, would open the door, give us a warm welcome and, without asking, pour two pints of 6X into two mugs, straight from the wood. In the winter there would be a roaring fire, always good company and lots of general chatter.
“Sometimes I fall asleep dreaming of The Ivy and all that’s wonderful and perfect about this icon of a pub and the part it’s played in my life and Tracklements’ life.
“The inspiration for many of our best ideas were hatched in The Ivy over a pint, none more so than our beer mustard. Much tasting was done with Major Bartholomew who took over the helm of Wadworth’s from the 1950s to hone the recipe so it’s perfect with a Wiltshire sausage.
“I’m pleased to say the beer mustard is still going strong as part of our range. My father loved pubs, the company and the beer. I know how upset and sad he’d be, as would I, if The Ivy was to be lost to the village and the wider community.”
The Friends have a share scheme just about ready to go where people can invest a minimum of £100 or a maximum of £20,000 in the pub but they need to strike a deal first with Wadworth’s over the sale and negotiations remain ongoing.
The pub needs major renovation work including fully rewiring, replumbing and significant work on the drains and damp-proofing along with major improvements to the kitchen and toilets. It will mean a considerable investment over £225,000 once the pub is bought.
Friends of The Ivy chair Dr Paul Moyle-Harris said: “The pub has so much history, not least its wonderful links with Tracklements. Thousands of American soldiers were based in this area in the run-up to D-Day in the spring of 1944 and their legendary commander, General George Patton, is reputed to have enjoyed pints in The Ivy.
“We’re a very committed community group poised and ready for action to not only save The Ivy but to turn it into something very special. Going back in time, it had a phenomenal reputation throughout Wiltshire, so much so that people travelled from Salisbury and Bath and diners had to book a month in advance for Sunday lunch.
“We are here to reinstate that reputation and restore The Ivy as a destination pub for people from across Wiltshire and further afield. It’s set in brilliant countryside – an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty – surrounded by walks and cycle rides. It’s the perfect place for the quintessential English pub.
“Once places like this have gone they’re gone forever so The Ivy must be saved.”
For the latest information on The Ivy and how you can help go to https://friendsoftheivy.org.uk