Dr Chris Moss and Josh Macaulay, Publicans of the Ye Olde Fleece Inn at Highgate in Kendal, have heavily invested in green energy by installing a 50-solar panel system on the roof of their pub.
At the cost of £30,000, Chris and Josh were keen to go green for several reasons. Chris said: “Obviously the solar panels will help the efficiency of our business and reduce costs, but we are also acutely aware that pubs use a lot of energy in cooling beer and generally running the establishment.
“As responsible business owners and with all the issues surrounding energy and global warming, we need to be seen to be doing the right thing. As we employ a lot of younger people, we want them to be able to look up to us and see that the business is being run in the right and proper way.”
The panels, which have begun to supply around 25 kilowatts of energy are located facing south on the roof of Ye Olde Fleece.
Chris continued: “It has been a long process working closely with Westmorland and Furness Council, as the Fleece is a listed building, but it’s been great to see their forward-thinking attitude when it comes to sustainability.
“Pubs have been around for hundreds of years, but times are difficult, and we have to make sure they remain a cornerstone of the community.”
Since the hospitality duo took to the helm of Ye Olde Fleece in 2019, they have transformed the facilities to include a fully waited on restaurant, a gastropub and bar area seating 80 people, a lounge, meeting and conference facilities and a function room.
Chris added: “It is now a central community hub used by many local groups, including charities, sports and social clubs. It is very much a family space and that ties in with our original vision, which was that it would be a central part of the Kendal community.”
Chris and Josh are now focussing on areas of sustainability at their other hospitality ventures including The Gateway Inn, The Duke of Cumberland and Bootleggers.