Local pubs are so often the beating hearts of our towns and villages. Not only are they vital for our local economy, they do so much great work in their communities and help generate the famous rural community spirit that our beautiful part of the world is renowned for.
That’s why, throughout my time as the local MP, I have actively promoted and visited dozens of our rural pubs – the Beeston Ploughshare, The White Swan at Gressenhall, Darby’s in Swanton Morley, The Crown at Great Ellingham, The Railway Tavern at Dereham and The Lodge at North Tuddenham to name just a few. We are blessed that Mid Norfolk is home to some of our county’s finest establishments!
However, as a former Business Minister and small business owner myself, I know how tough it can be for those running our local pubs. Like so many businesses in recent times, our rural pubs have faced the perfect storm of increased energy prices and the cost of living crisis, which have meant far higher operating costs and much more limited disposable income for the customers that frequent them. Compounded by the impacts of the pandemic beforehand, the pub sector is going through a very hard time.
That’s why, whenever I can, I seek to promote this wonderful sector – and why I frequently speak out in support of our town and village pubs in Westminster.
Rural communities depend on active community services to stay thriving and vibrant. Pubs are a vital part of that.
To learn more of my work supporting this crucial sector over the years, please see the webstories below and my Facebook page here.
