The door to The Blue Bell Inn and Lodge in Desford maybe temporarily closed but it remains at the heart of its community!
Michael Cosgrove has been the business owner of the Blue Bell Inn and Lodge in Desford since 2015, and I think it’s fair to say that despite the pub being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Michael is busier than ever!
“The pub is the heart of this village and at times like these the people need each other and a central point.” says Michael, “we have tried to pull everyone together. We’ve set up a shop to support the village and using our suppliers we can source items like pasta, bread, milk that the big supermarkets are running out of. Many in the village fall into the vulnerable category and don’t want or need to be going out so we are delivering where we can and social distancing when people are collecting. It’s kept me busier than the pub did some days!”
Whilst the pub is closed Michael is putting on lots of virtual nights through Facebook Live, including quiz nights, bingo nights and pub DJ nights. “We’ve had such a great response” says Michael, “people are sat at home bored, wishing they could be down the pub with friends so it seemed only right to try my best to put what I can on for them. The events are not polished by any means, and I’m learning as I go, but everyone is so supportive and getting involved – it really highlights what a great community we have here in Desford. For me, these events just give people in the village and beyond a bit of normality and a chance to see those that they perhaps wouldn’t call but are used to seeing on a weekly basis in the pub – and that’s important.”
As many pubs are looking to adapt and support their pubs at this time, Michael and his team of volunteers are doing their upmost to keep their community tight, entertained and supported as best they can until the pub can re-open again and life can get back to normal.
Michael says: ”I want to thank all of the volunteers that have been helping out with the community shop and everyone in the village who is supporting the pub in these difficult times, it really means a lot. We are looking forward to the pub re-opening and being able to celebrate together with people once again!”
You can find out more about The Blue Bell Inn and Lodge’s community shop and virtual events on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thebluebelldesford/
Many Everards pubs are supporting their communities during this challenging time, follow Everards on social media to find out how pubs are remaining at the heart of their community.
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