Pubs get fresh lease of life as pop-up shops prove a success

Two pubs which were forced to close due to the coronavirus outbreak have transformed into pop-up shops providing essential items for villagers.

Milk, eggs and other items are now available to buy at the Kings Head in Shadoxhurst and Flying Horse in Boughton Aluph.

At the Kings Head, landlords Julie and Ian Clark are also making fresh cakes, bread and pastries for their customers, as well as made to order birthday cakes.

Mrs Clark, who has run the pub for 18 years, said: “After we closed on that Friday it was a bit of a shock. We were all left in limbo.

“We had a bit of stock leftover so thought we would help out the villagers.

“But now we are ordering stock regularly to sell.

“We get milk, fruit and vegetables and flour when the supplier has it. We also make fresh cakes and bread.

“It’s keeping the pub going. I think if the pub had closed its doors completely it would have been very sad.

“But it is keeping us busy too. “We’ve met so many nice people who have come in.”

The new pop-up shop is open

Thursday to Sunday and has been very well received by those living near by.

Mum-of-four Mrs Clark added: “If anyone needs anything specific we can try and order it in for them.”

The pub is also offering takeaway dinners.

And it is a similar situation at The Flying Horse in Boughton Aluph.

Soon after shutting down, staff set up tables outside the pub selling milk, eggs and bread.

But as demand grew, so did the items available.

Landlord Nicky Horton said: “We set up the shop after we got told to lockdown. We had a deep clean and then re-opened on the Monday knowing people around us are fairly elderly and couldn’t get out and about.

“We started with a table out front selling milk and eggs, and that sold out.

“Now we sell most things, including wine, flour, soft drinks, meat, vegetables.

“We’re getting deliveries every other day.

“Someone had gone to Sainsbury’s and couldn’t get yeast or flour and staff told them we hadit.

“We did it for the community, but we also have bills to pay.

“Summer is a very busy time for us usually when we get a lot of trade. So it is a struggle.”

Thy Flying Horse’s shop is open every day 10am-2pm.

It is also doing hot foods, including a take away roast on a Sunday.

The Clark family at the Kings Head

A wide selection of fresh food is on offer at the Kings Head

The Flying Horse by the green in Boughton Aluph