Tholthorpe is an attractive village of some 300 residents, approximately 12 miles from York. It has a rich history including a mention in the Doomsday Book and is thought to have been a Viking settlement. There was also an RAF airfield at Tholthorpe which was active during WW2 and which still attracts visitors today.
The New Inn is already seen as a village hub, hosting a number of local clubs and putting on various events. The addition of a village shop will add further to the community services being provided by the pub.
Project Summary:
Cameron and Dionne Reid have been running the New Inn for around 8 years and made the decision 4 years ago to buy the freehold from the pubco owners. A baker by training, Cameron had always aspired to create a facility whereby villagers and visitors could purchase bread and other products freshly made on the premises. At the same time Cameron and Dionne were aware of the lack of village shop to provide basic supplies. The nearest shop is some 5 miles away and with only 1 bus a day it can be hard for some villagers to have access to daily essentials.
Once Cameron and Dionne had formulated their plan they contacted Pub is The Hub to see what help and advice we could offer. Our Regional Adviser visited the pub and met with them, clearly saw the potential for the project and agreed that a Community Services Fund Grant would be available for the provision of a village shop.
The project is supported by local residents, the Parish Council, the local WI and other local businesses.
Outcomes so far:
At their own cost Cameron and Dionne have installed a wood fired oven, which sits in the pub, allowing customers to see bread, pastries and pizzas being cooked to order. They have also introduced a take-away pizza service, which complements the fish & chip take-away service already provided to the village.
Pub is The Hub has supported the creation of a village shop within the pub, which will provide residents and visitors with daily essentials together with freshly baked homemade bread and pastries and other items produced by Cameron in his pub kitchen such as jams and chutneys.
The new village shop was opened on 28th April 2016.
Lessons to Learn:
It is important to do some research to ensure a planned project is indeed what residents want, need and will support on a day to day basis
- It is important to have the input and backing of the Parish Council and other groups, including other local businesses
- It is important to set realistic deadlines for project completion and to realise that projects have to work around the normal day to day running of the business
Project Costs
CSF Grant £3,500.00
For more information telephone 01423 546165 or email enquiries@pubisthehub.org.uk