12-July-2007 The Publican - Northamptonshire pub supports community with shop
original article here
Licensees convert unused kitchen space into shop under the 'Pub is the Hub' scheme
A pair of Northamptonshire licensees are supporting their local community by converting their unused kitchen space into a village shop.
Under the ‘Pub is the Hub’ scheme David and Yvonne Newman, licensees of the Hare and Hounds, in Great Addington, are set to sell groceries to the 350 residents of the village.
David said: “In the absence of a village shop, everyone’s had to travel a couple of miles for even the most basic provisions. It means the Hare & Hounds is now the first stop for milk, cheese, tomato sauce and cereal as well as their favourite pint of beer!”
The shop also stocks a range of products and locally produced goods, and customers will be able to ask for items at the bar when the shop is closed.
Opening the shop on behalf of Charles Wells Pub Company, Peter Wells said “David and Yvonne fulfil a central role in local community life simply by virtue of running the village pub. They have shown fantastic vision to develop the retail opportunities at the pub and diversify to deliver another important service in the shape of the village shop.”