A pub’s new manager has discussed the challenges of taking on a new business following lockdown, and on her plans to develop the pub over the coming months.
Michelle Holbrook, became manager at Dereham’s Royal Standard in April, and has set about giving it her own stamp.
“It [the virus] devastated everywhere… It was a horrible shock to the economy," she said.
"I think everyone’s life was structured around their job, and once that structure was taken away, you’ve got nothing left."
While the owner of the pub’s building has not changed, the lease-holder has.
After the building had been left empty for a year following the outbreak of the pandemic, Michelle said: “It needed a very good clean.”
Fresh coats of paint were applied and carpets vacuumed.
“Everything was being scrubbed: the floors, the carpets, the glass-shelves, the dishes, the glass-washer, the kitchen, everything… It was about a three-day job,” she added.
“Everything was just so sticky, because it had been closed since end of business [last year] - the cobwebs were hanging from the beams.”
Ms Holbrook, who previously worked at the King’s Head in Dereham, said it had always been her dream to work in the pub industry, and had several plans to improve the Royal Standard’s offering.
“We’ve now got a carvery on Sundays. We started two Sundays ago," she said.
"The first Sunday we sold out, and the second Sunday we’ve just sold out again by doing 15 more than the previous Sunday, so word-of-mouth is now slowly getting around.”
“It’s an unlimited carvery, so you can go up for your main meal as many times as you like, so if you leave hungry, that’s your fault!” she added.
In August, the pub is holding a beer, cider and sausage festival - with 18 real ales and 12 different ciders, plus different sausages from across the world.
Live music has been brought back to the venue, and when coronavirus restrictions allow for microphone-sharing, the pub hopes to run karaoke nights.
“We’ve also got a TV being delivered so we can host the Euros… we’ve got a lot of plans!” she said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here