Publicans Rachael and Jeremy Parke have opened a new village store at The Duck in Stanhoe, Norfolk, to help people living in the local area.
The village shop named ‘Stanhoe Stores’, was opened with the expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub, the not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.
The publicans have established a thriving trade at The Duck which serves as not only a local pub but a destination food venue.
Stanhoe is a small village with just under 200 residents and limited facilities apart from the pub and village hall. Rachael and Jeremy soon realised there was a need for a village store to support both local people and visitors to the area as it is four miles to the nearest shop and there is limited public transport. Members of the local community were overwhelmingly supportive of the idea and the store was opened within a garden room in the grounds of the pub.
It stocks a range of essentials such as milk, bread and household items but also supports local suppliers with produce including meats, cheeses, chutneys, chocolates, fresh breads and pastries. There are plans to extend the range of products on offer after feedback from customers and they are set to launch a range of recipe kits for people to cook at home. The kits have been designed by Jeremy, who also works as the pubs’ chef.
The store also has some exciting Christmas plans including an ‘Advent Calendar’ with 24 different local products being available in the days up to Christmas. Customers who purchase the items will get the opportunity to be entered into a New Year draw to win a party hamper.
Within the store there is also an intimate seating area with a log burner where customers can enjoy a coffee or tea and cake. This is already proving a popular meeting spot with people already popping in for a chat and some social interaction.
The store has also created employment with two new jobs.
The store is open Wednesday to Sunday at 9am with breakfast/brunches served, to 4pm, and there are plans to extend the opening times. But the shop can be opened anytime for customers when the pub is trading.
Publican Rachael Parkes said: “We have had so much support from local residents for the village store. The log burner seating area is proving to be very popular with people popping in for a chat, a coffee and to read the paper in a relaxed environment.”
She added: “The store is an essential service that is helping villagers get their provisions without having to travel many miles to the nearest shops. We are dedicated to supporting other local suppliers which will help boost the local economy.”
Pub is The Hub regional advisor Terry Stork added: “Rachael and Jeremy have already established The Duck as the hub of the village. This is a pub that has a fantastic food offer and has something for both locals and visitors to the area.”
He added: “Offering vital local services such as a village shop is so important to rural areas. Stanhoe Stores is not just a place offering those important essentials but it is already a meeting place where people can get together and connect which helps overcome social isolation.”
Images:
- Celebration: Stanhoe Stores is an important new service for the Norfolk village. Left to right: (Pub is The Hub regional advisor Terry Stork with the Parke family including Kaya Parke with her daughter Ivy-Rose, publican and chef Jeremy Parke, Marlie Park and publican Rachael Parke.)
Editor’s Notes
Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation, which offers independent specialist advice to publicans on rural services diversification so they can all provide viable local services and social value at the heart of their community.
The organisation was founded by His Majesty King Charles III, when he was HRH the Prince of Wales in 2001
With a proven track record of rural project development and delivery over the last 24 years, Pub is The Hub has worked with great publicans to open shops, libraries, cafes, community cinemas, allotments, play areas and much more. Since 2013, the organisation has also been able to offer small grants through its Community Services Fund.
Pub is The Hub has helped over 600 pubs diversify, with over 200 of these benefitting from help through the Community Services Fund.
Building on its community services work, in 2018 Pub is The Hub conceived its ‘Join Inn – Last Orders for Loneliness’ campaign. ‘Join Inn’, specifically looks to support publicans and their communities to become better connected, helping local people feel less isolated and, in the process helping to alleviate loneliness.
Website: www.pubisthehub.org.uk
Twitter: @PubistheHub_uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pubisthehub
Media Contact: Michelle Perrett, michelleperrett@pubisthehub.org.uk
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