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How rural pubs are raising the bar for local shoppers
CALL it synergy, call it zeitgeist, call it what you will. When thepublicans of the two neighbouring villages of Sicklinghall and Kirkby Overblow almost simultaneously opened shops within their premises, locals wondered whether there really was room for both.
In a sense, the timing wasn't significant – although Ted van Zeller of the Scotts Arms in Sicklinghall is quick to point out that his shop opened before the one at Kirkby Overblow's Shoulder of Mutton.
Rather, it's notable that both establishments recognised a wider demand for service within their local communities.
Six months down the line, are the two businesses locked in close competition? Neither seems to look at it that way. In fact, each shop has developed in a distinctly different way, so each enjoys a different kind of customer base.
Kate and David Deacon, who run the Shoulder Shop, have launched their business right into the heart of the village of Kirkby Overblow, near Wetherby. It is heavily used by villagers, who have been supporting it enthusiastically.
Says local resident Bridget Bennett: "I can remember when old Mr Parkin ran a shop here in the village, and after 25 years, it's lovely to have
it back again. It makes life more pleasant."
Call in on a Saturday morning, and the locals are stopping by for newspapers, bread, and even tickets to the latest production by KODS
(Kirkby Overblow Dramatic Society).
Others are collecting their weekly shop which Kate and David are more than happy to order in from local suppliers, including Ramus and
R&J Catering. There is also a range of homemade goodies including
coleslaw, soup and chicken liver pate, not to mention a range of
gluten-free produce that would put most supermarkets to shame. It's in the home-made ready meal section that the couple plan to expand in the near future.
In contrast, Ted and Julie van Zeller in Sicklinghall say their shop is frequented more by pub regulars and the large number of walkers and cyclists who come through the village.
While the initial idea was to stock fresh, local produce, Ted says that
the business actually took off in a different direction. This has led to him stocking products with more of a souvenir feel to them, such
as Sicklinghall-themed gift boxes of gingerbread and fudge.
There are also jams and chutneys, wines, teas, cheeses and a range
of gift products, and while Ted says that the shop always sells
milk and fresh bread at the weekends, it is in the gift and craft department that he intends to expand the business.
To this end, Cross & Buckle, a local company producing crafts and accessories for the home will soon be selling their wares in the shop.
On top of all this, Ted also plans to open a tearoom towards the back of the pub where coffees, teas and locally-made cakes will be served.
For both the Deacons and the van Zellers, opening a shop has been
the fulfilment of long held dreams, and the success of both businesses has shown that there is still a major role for village shops can play within rural communities – and a great deal of potential for rural businesses.
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