THE GEORGE VILLAGE SHOP
ALSTONEFIELD, ASHBOURNE, STAFFORDSHIRE, DE6 2FX
APPLICANT AND BACKGROUND
The George is a delightful pub situated in the centre of Alstonefield a rural village on the boundaries of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. The leaseholder is Emily Hammond and she has carried out major internal alterations in recent years to create a quite excellent country pub. There is a cosy bar area and a separate restaurant. Everything is to a very high standard, including an extensive and imaginative menu. Alstonefield village is situated in Staffordshire but on the edge of the Derbyshire Dales and a centre for walkers and tourists. Marstons own the property and have recently refurbished the Grade II listed stone barn which adjoins the pub. This is the area Emily has converted into a village farm shop.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The conversion of part of the ground floor of the Grade II listed barn has created a delightful shop to supply surrounding areas with locally sourced meats, bread, vegetables and other products. The original barn doors act as a security screen but open back during opening hours to reveal a wide, glazed shop front which provides great vision in and out of the shop area. There is a car parking area immediately outside. The George has been in the Hammond's family for 50 years and is a centre not only for food excellence and quality beers but for walkers who start their excursions in the adjoining Dales from this village; they are also a valuable source of income for the shop. Staffordshire County Council agreed to grant aid the project through their rural grants scheme in view of the support provided by the local community.
OUTCOMES
Marston's had beautifully restored the barn, so the interior was perfect for the creation of a village shop. Emily has added her considerable retail experience to create the shop as it is now. The shop showcases local meat and other farm produce and the project is a classic example of how new income from the shop operation can help to sustain the pub in this lovely but isolated village.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- Support from the pub owner in restoration of the barn.
- The alterations have created a highly attractive village shop.
- Very professional and capable Licensee with high standards and an established business.
- Relatively low cost of the shop project.
- Perfect use of Staffordshire County Council rural grant funds.
PROJECT CAPITAL COSTS
Total project capital costs (excluding barn restoration) £10,306.00
Applicant contribution £5,306.00
Staffordshire County Council grant contribution £5,000.00
LICENSEE CONTACT
Emily Hammond Tel. 01335 310205
PUB OWNER: Marston's Pub Company
