Long Sutton pub landlord says 'use us or lose us'

A landlord is urging townsfolk to use his pub – or ‘it could end up as a Tesco Express’.

Andrew Skinner says The Ship in Long Sutton is not closing after a planning application was lodged to build a home in part of the car park.

Mr Skinner has taken on a new chef and will soon be serving up Sunday lunches.

He is, however, calling on people in the town to support the pub.

Mr Skinner said: “It is like your local Post Office – if you don’t use it then it is going to disappear.

“It is important that people support the business. If not it will end up as a Tesco Express if they are not careful.

“We need support. Currently there is no local clientèle who come for a drink.”

Mr Skinner has applied to South Holland District Council for outline permission to build a home on the car park behind the pub.

The design and access statement says that the public house driveway would be split to provide a separate access for the new dwelling.

It also states that six car parking spaces will remain for pub customers.

Mr Skinner said: “It is quite a big car park for a small pub. What I have decided to do is to put in for planning for a detached house which will still leave a sizeable car park.”

In recent months, Mr Skinner says that he has also invested in the pub by having new flooring laid and work in the kitchen.

He has also taken on a new chef and is planning to re-start the food side of the pub with Sunday lunches on November 7.

Mr Skinner is planning to offer food on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Like many hospitality businesses, Mr Skinner, who has taken back control of the pub, has also encountered problems recruiting staff due to Brexit.

He said: “It has been terrible to recruit.

“We are going to be offering a different menu.”