Food & Hospitality · Swindon
Eldene pub celebrates anniversary after successful first year
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The Stripey Badger has marked its first year back in business, showcasing a significant turnaround for the once-troubled Eldene community venue.
A Swindon pub that was closed for three years has marked its one-year anniversary under new management, signalling a turnaround for the Eldene venue. The Stripey Badger, which reopened its doors on 17 October 2025, has spent the past twelve months re-establishing itself as a community focal point.
Landlord Callum Forbes, 32, took over the premises in August 2025, inheriting a site that required extensive renovation. The building had suffered significant structural issues, including a collapsed ceiling, which necessitated a major refurbishment before the pub could welcome customers back. Mr Forbes, who grew up in the area, stated that his goal was to restore the pub to serve the local community.
The transformation has seen a notable change in the venue’s atmosphere. According to the management, the requirement for security staff, which was necessary at the time of the initial reopening, has been phased out entirely. The pub has gained a reputation for affordability, with a pint of Carling currently priced at £3.75, making it one of the more competitively priced venues in the town.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mr Forbes said: We do it for the community. We just run the pub but it is the community that keeps us going and we just love every moment of it. I grew up here and I would say one day I was going to run this pub. So when it became available I took it and it has been an absolutely amazing year.
Looking ahead, the pub has a series of free community-focused events scheduled as it enters its second year. A Halloween disco for both children and adults is planned for 30 October, featuring pumpkin carving and various activities. Accessibility remains a priority for the venue's future development, with plans in place to address the current lack of ground-floor bar access for those with mobility requirements.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original