Norfolk Pub Launches Village Store with Grant Support

A village shop has commenced operations within a Norfolk pub, supported by financial assistance from a nationwide program. An existing structure at The Duck, located in Stanhoe, close to Docking, underwent transformation to house a coffee shop and retail outlet. Pub is The Hub, a non-profit organization established by King Charles III in 2001, provides grants to assist pubs in expanding their range of services and offerings. Rachael Parke, the proprietor, stated that the financial support enabled her to employ a specific individual to manage the shop. She elaborated, “With the nearest shops being several miles away, we don’t have public transport here and we do have some people who don’t drive.” She added, “With national insurance going up and all the other expenses we’re facing, it just gives us a buffer to hire that extra person who will become part of our team here at The Duck.” Rachael and Jeremy Parke assumed ownership of The Duck in summer 2023, and the shop commenced operations in late October of the current year. Stanhoe is a compact village in west Norfolk, home to approximately 200 inhabitants. Terry Stork, representing Pub is the Hub, commented that public houses serve a significant function in delivering vital services and furnishing a communal area for individuals experiencing loneliness or isolation. Neil Shearer, who relocated to Stanhoe two years prior, mentioned that the absence of a local shop was a consideration upon his arrival. He stated, “The pub has always been good.” He continued, “Now it is nice to be able to come to a shop and buy your essentials and some nice things too.” For updates on Norfolk news, access BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.