Pub boss’s plea to public to stop ‘dreams fading’
A PUB manager says it’s vital to support local businesses this summer as lockdown restrictions ease and we begin a return to normal life. Richard Montague, manager of Holton-Le-Clay pub The Royal Oak, has called for the public to think local as they book holidays and buy goods this summer after coronavirus restrictions are, hopefully, fully lifted on June 21.
Throughout lockdown, The Royal Oak has supported local businesses, like Docks Beers, and even set up their own food business, Route 68, to help support and bolster the independent businesses in and around our area.
Richard explained how difficult it had been for The Royal Oak when lockdown was initially announced. He said: “It was incredibly upsetting, the owners had invested a lot of money to really make it their own when the announcement was made.
“The whole experience was frustrating, but you can’t point fingers. We’ve never been in this position before so nobody knew what to do. There was a lot of stress and pressure, but thankfully we had a plan together and had time to prepare in our area.”
Looking ahead to opening their indoor dining on May 17, Richard says the pub is going to be incredibly busy. “The opening week, we’ve got 1,000 people booked in which we see as a compliment, people are coming back through our doors once more.
“When we’re open, it’s going to be important to support local businesses.
“For example, we use over 70 local suppliers ourselves. I don’t think people put enough emphasis on local, we need to get through this by supporting one another. “When you shop local, it has a knock-on effect elsewhere. If you help one person or business, you’re helping a number of others too.”
MANAGER URGES PEOPLE TO THINK LOCAL