Surrey pub prospers from apres ski lodge

One Surrey pub reported a "very successful" week after opening an "aprés ski lodge" — and is praying for more snow.

Carol Haime, chef proprieter of Enterprise Inns leased pub the Sandrock in Farnham, said last week was up 10% on the previous week due to a shift in business from evening to lunch.

The pub, which is normally "quiet" for lunch, served around 40 people each day during the snow. The most popular items on the menu were warming soups and spicy pittas, as well as coffees, hot chocolates and "toddies".

Customers included local people who don't normally use the pub, but were unable to get to town, and Haime is hoping that they will return.

There have been a few cancellations, but Haime said the places were filled by locals who could not travel further afield.

"When snow is heavy enough to settle our road becomes a dangerous icy slalom between abandoned vehicles, perfect for sledging and impassable to all vehicles except 4x4's," said Haime. "We have seen all manner of sledges, some homemade and even skis."

Pub staff have been sledging supplies down the hill from the van they had to abandon at the top when the road became impassable.

After last year's heavy snow, Haime decided to do an alpine theme this winter with sharing platters on wooden boards and Racletts (cheese baked in the box) with warm bread.

The pub boasts alpine-themed decor, homemade ski posters and the new name of Sandrock Lodge.

The menu is not yet in place due to problems with deliveries, but will be on offer from the end of this week.