In the last few weeks we’ve seen pubs transforming into local shops, pubs that run a takeaway & delivery service and even pubs that have become mini-markets!
Two pubs that are continuing to make a huge difference in their local communities have caught our eye, they are the Griffins Head (Papplewick) and the Lamb Inn (Edgmond). Here’s a bit more about these two epic community pubs…
Griffins Head (Papplewick)
Publicans Nicky & Neil have really taken the bull by the horns since pubs were ordered to close their doors over a month ago.
Their pub shop is open from 10am until 6pm every day and sells a huge range of products! There’s everything from potatoes to rice, HP sauce to Baked Beans and toilet rolls to Fairy Liquid. They also have wide selection of meat and dairy products to choose from!
Unable to make it to the pub? They even run a free delivery service to local villages!
And they don’t just stop there… the Griffins Head regularly sells out its extremely popular roasts most Sundays! The roasts are available with beef or chicken and they come with a large home-made Yorkshire pudding, fresh vegetables, mash and roast spuds. Vegan? You can even get a nut roast with all the trimmings!
Nicky & Neil have also been showing their support for the NHS, with a fantastic light-up display outside their pub.
Speaking about the last few weeks Nicky said; “On the Friday night the pubs all closed we sat there stunned and immediately started thinking about what we could do.
“We quickly realised that what our customers would need is a local shop so, with the help of Punch and all of our wonderful customers we were up and running quickly and it has been a real success.
“The community have been overwhelmingly supportive, and we feel closer to them now than ever before. I want to also say a special thank you to my wonderful Partner, Neil, who is the first up and last to bed everyday, whether that is to do all the cooking and prep for our takeaway offer or safely delivering essentials to our customers. He has been an absolute rock!
“We can’t wait to be back open but, until then we will continue to get on with our days with a smile on our faces and look forward to the day when we can all be together again in the pub.”
Lamb Inn (Edgmond)
Lance & Debbie at the Lamb Inn have also been running a great shop & takeaway service.
Their takeaway menu, especially their Sunday roasts, have been welcomed with open arms and they have received lovely feedback from their customers! The pub has a small selection of main meals and desserts available 4pm – 7pm, Monday to Saturday, before selling their popular roasts from 12pm – 3pm on a Sunday!
A variety of food “rescue” packs are then available during the same hours. There’s bumper meat packs, as well as fruit & veg and salad packs available for customers to purchase.
And whilst the timelines for reopening fully remain unclear, Lance & Debbie have been getting their pub ready for when they do finally open their doors once again.
The outdoor area at the Lamb Inn is stunning and Lance and Debbie have certainly made the most of the recent weather, taking their chance to make sure their beer garden & courtyard are looking perfect, cutting the grass, adding new plants to baskets & flowerbeds and jet washing the floor are just some of the things they’ve done to remain one step ahead in readiness for welcoming guest back into their local pub.