Duo are turning around village pub
THE landlords of a pub in Stoney Stanton are urging people to support their local drinking hole after a challenging first year in business.
Jade and Chris Lundean have revamped The Blue Bell with a premium menu and a good selection of gins and other drinks, but they are struggling to turn around the venue’s previous reputation.
Jade said: “It was very cliquey before and it had a reputation as a late night drinkers pub for youngsters, which it no longer is.
“It wasn’t well looked after and the problem is that on the outside it looks the same as before.
“The brewery has offered us a refurbishment, but we have wanted to trade for six to 12 months before making any major changes like that.”
Dry January was a difficult time for the Everards pub, and Jade said village pubs in particular need the support of locals.
She said: “People get upset when they see pubs turned into houses, but if enough people don’t come these pubs will close.
“Even people coming for a drink on their way home from an Indian, it all makes a difference.
“We have a nice regular steady trade of about 70 to 80 people that we know by name and drink
“We are not threatened by other pubs, as they cater for a different clientele.
“We still need people through the door. It’s one of the nicest things when people come in and then bring their friends along.”
A birthday party to celebrate the Lundeans’ first year at the pub is on March 2, which will include offers on food and drinks. Music group Prime will be performing at the event. The Blue Bell is open Monday to Thursday from noon to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to midnight, and on Sunday from noon to 9pm.
Food is served Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 2pm and from 6pm to 8pm, and on Sunday from noon to 3pm.
The pub is dog friendly, with the Lundeans’ four-yearold bulldog Fergie regularly seen at the bar.
For more information on The Blue Bell, visit the pub’s website or call Hinckley 272292.