Licensees Paul Lightwood and Russell Martin, who have been running Ei Group-owned pub, the Sitwell Arms for 18 months, have installed a portacabin in the pub’s rear carpark to create the community service.
In addition to offering advice and support, PITH was also able to contribute a grant of £3,000 from its Community Services Fund to help towards the cost of a shop counter, the steps into the shop, a fridge and the electrical installations.
The shop offers a full range of convenience items, local fruit and vegetables, wine, beer, confectionery, dairy produce, bread, newspapers and freshly made rolls and snacks. The pub also has its own hens and ducks in the garden and sells its own eggs.
Martin said: “The shop has only been open for a couple of weeks and we are building regular custom slowly as word spreads. We would be happy to have any suggestions about what we should stock. Meanwhile, we are so grateful to Pub is The Hub for giving us the inspiration and supporting us with their grant towards the overall cost.”
Hugh Wilson, regional adviser from PITH added: “Russell and Paul have done a really wonderful job with this project. They have set out purely with the intention of providing a valuable new service to Morton and the surrounding villages and for that, we must applaud them and wish them luck.”
Pub is The Hub’s Community Services Fund was established with funding from the Government and drinks manufacturer and supplier Diageo in April 2013 to help UK pubs to diversify into new services. It can provide grants to pubs of up to £3,000.