Busy introduction to the licensed trade

l Jason and Jackie Pritchett, new licensees of The Bell, Purton Stoke

December 20, 2007: It’s been standing room only at The Bell, Purton Stoke, near Swindon, since new landlords Jason and Jackie Pritchett took over last week. The couple, who are new to the licensed trade, have been amazed at the response from locals.

“With all the talk of endangered rural country pubs we’d thought that running a rural country pub would be a quiet affair which would give us the time to learn the business before having to cope with a full bar and a fully-booked Sunday lunchtime restaurant,” said Jackie.

But they’re not complaining. “It’s great,” added Jackie. “The community has come out in force to welcome us and we’re trying to respond by giving them a warm, friendly pub where they can eat and drink in comfort. Our days are longer, but it’s such a lovely pub that we don’t mind at all.”

George Arkell, director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Contrary to popular myth not all rural pubs are closing down and many are thriving as landlords successfully adapt their business to the demands of their customers.

"The Bell at Purton Stoke is a really lovely little pub and it’s supported well by those living in and around the village. We’re delighted to welcome Jason and Jackie into the licensed trade and we’re really pleased that they’ve made such a great start.”

Jackie and Jason have wanted to run their own pub for years but waited until now, until the right pub came along and their children were more independent. Jackie had worked in Cirencester for a company sourcing electrical components and Jason is a self employed roof contractor.

George added: “With Jason and Jackie’s previous professional backgrounds we’re sure they’ll raise the roof and add a new spark to the pub.”

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