Snack van helps to keep landlord going
A STAFFORDSHIRE landlord desperate to stay afloat during lockdown has set up a snack van from his pub’s car park.
Pete Farrington owns The Foresters Arms, in Yoxall and, after being ordered to close in the lockdown was afraid of having “nothing to wake up for in the morning” he decided to use the space in his car park to set up The Foresters Arms Snack Van.
He is determined to help other businesses in the area – so all the ingredients he uses are sourced locally, saying it will help his customers enjoy quality over quantity.
The snack van is open from 9am until 2pm, six days a week and sells pork and stuffing rolls, full English breakfasts, breakfast sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Mr Farrington, 41, said: “Not having anything to do in lockdown was starting to take its toll on me and I knew I had to have something to get me out there and that’s when the idea came about.
“I have a large plot of land which is normally full of cars but now the space is not in use and I am paying for it so it was a no-brainer.
“Being out in the open, selling good quality food and talking with the public is something I have missed and where we are, we get a lot of passing trade and I really am enjoying it so far.
“It’s connecting me back with my community and it’s nice to see friendly faces as well as some new ones.
“I feel it will have a positive impact on my business when we are allowed to open the pub again, and hopefully it will boost my income and give me a new range of customers.
“It’s done wonders for my mental health and really it’s the things we usually take for granted that we need the most now more than ever.
“I want this to show people can use a negative situation and turn it into something positive and we should speak to one another and look out for our friends and family.”
NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks.
■ Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, email Samaritans at jo@ samaritans.org.
■ Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people. Calls are free.
■ PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
■ Mind (0300 123 3393) provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
■ There are other services, too.