On 31st July Greg started visiting a number of pubs in the constituency to meet with landlords and landladies to discuss how re-opening is going, the Eat Out to Help Out initiative and VAT reduction for hospitality.
Greg commented, "Our locals are so important, especially in village and small town life as focal points and hubs for the whole community. I want to ensure all our local pubs survive the Covid pandemic - and part of that is encouraging everyone to support them, either by popping in for a pint or making use of the governments Eat Out to Help Out scheme during August."
Greg's "Support Our Locals" tour diary:
FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2020
First up was The Crown Granborough, where I chatted with Landlord Andy. The pub is taking part in Eat Out Help Out on Wednesdays through August and has a plentiful garden area for sunny days. Great to be joined for this visit by Cllr Billy Stanier, Cllr John Chilver and Phil Gomm.
Next up I visited The Bell in Chearsley, chatting with Landlady Sharon Woodford and a number of regulars, including Parish Council Chairman Nic Brown. Again, this great village pub is participating in Eat Out Help Out throughout August. Whilst in Chearsley was great to also catch up with Jay from Chearsley Stores who has remained open throughout lockdown, introducing a delivery service in the village to those unable to shop in person.
Finally, after holding my virtual help and advice surgery, I ended the day at The Bird In Hand, Princes Risborough, where I met Landlady Charlotte Luckman, discussing particularly how the VAT reduction is helping her as a business focussed on drinks rather than food. Great to be joined by Princes Risborough Mayor Cllr Matthew Walsh and Buckinghamshire Council Councillors Cllr Alan Turner and Cllr Gary Hall.
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2020
First up The Old Thatched Inn in Adstock to see landlord Andy, accompanied by Cllr John Chilver, Cllr Sue Renshell and Cllr Billy Stanier. The team there have done a fantastic job in making the pub Covid-secure, including their new outdoor serving hatch for take-always and coffee & cake. This pub is taking part in Eat Out To Help Out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August - please support them!
The second visit was The Lion Waddesdon to chat with landlady Annette Webster with Cllr Ashley Waite and Cllr Paul Irwin. The Lion have invested in improving the back garden area for drinkers and diners as well as continuing to serve first class eat in and take away food.
Last pub of the day was The Old Swan in Cheddington to chat with landlady Nel, accompanied by Cllr Derek Town, Cllr Chris Poll and Peter Brazier. This pub has enormous character and you can enjoy the governments #eatouttohelpout offer here throughout August.
FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 2020
First up, The Stratton Arms in Turweston, meeting landlord Phil Caley with Cllr Patrick Fealey and Simon Strutt. The pub has put in place excellent Covid-secure measures and their spacious garden area is perfect for a socially distanced drink or bite to eat.
Next up a meeting with Paul Mitchell, Founder of Moogies Ltd who run four pubs in the constituency, hearing how Eat Out to Help Out and the VAT reduction is making a huge difference.
Lastly, a great catch up with Philip Menday at The Bell Hotel Winslow, accompanied by Phil Gomm and Caroline Cornell. Again, a really comprehensive application of Covid-secure measures - and great to hear how successful Eat Out to Help Out is going, especially for their legendary carvery. Of course could not leave the premises without buying one of their incredible pies!
WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST 2020
The George, Winslow - I met with Sam and Rachel who became landlord and landlady of the pub just before lockdown began in March. They have put in place very clear and comprehensive Covid-secure measures, both in the pub on the ground floor and dining room upstairs. This is a great pub, please do go for a pint or some food to support them soon.
FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST 2020
First up, The Villiers Hotel in Buckingham, meeting with co-owner Bruce Cave. The hotel has operated throughout lockdown, providing accommodation to key workers. They're now re-open for food and participating in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme in their restaurant and Laura Ashley Tea Room. A really community focused local gem.
Next I visited Prego in Buckingham, seeing their expanded back garden and extensive Covid-secure arrangements. A popular local choice now also doing take away food and participating in Eat Out to Help Out.
Finally, a visit to The Buckingham Fort. Some fantastic Indian food on offer (I enjoyed sampling some for lunch), all in a Covid-secure setting. The governments VAT reduction has been a massive help to this great local restaurant - I look forward to going back soon.
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST 2020
The Dinton Hermit in Ford, to meet with owner Paul Mitchell who has brought this great village local back to life after many years empty. They have been participating in #eatouttohelpout (last opportunity to use this scheme is on Monday) and well worth supporting for a pint or meal.
I look forward to visiting more of our outstanding Bucks pubs in the coming days and weeks.