The Crown Inn at Gayton diversifies by offering a takeaway service
Landlords at an award-winning West Norfolk pub are diversifying and have come up with an alternative idea for customers following government advice for people to stay away from such establishments during the coronavirus crisis.
Lisa and Neil Staples who run The Crown Inn at Gayton are now offering a takeaway service to encourage people to still enjoy their meals albeit not actually inside the pub if they choose.
The pub is still open for business and is fully booked for this weekend's Mother's Day, said landlady Lisa.
She told the Lynn News: "We need to diversify, especially following the statement advising people to stay away from pubs but not ordering us to close. If it had ordered us to close, then we could have claimed on insurance.
"Our team here is our priority, they are absolutely amazing and we stand by them. Although we are fully booked for Mother's Day, I can understand people if they might feel a little nervous about dining in the pub.
"So if people would rather, they can order and then come to take away their food. The menu is the same for takeaway as it is to dine in. It will mean people will still be able to have that special Sunday dinner with mum.
"This pub has been here 800 years and we intend that it should run for a further 800."
The takeaway service is already up and running and orders can be taken anytime over the phone by calling 01553 636252.
The Crown also has a number of wakes booked, and Lisa said she was confident these would go ahead.
Earlier this month, Lisa and Neil were named winners in the Leisure and Tourism category of the Mayor's Business Awards. It recognised their dedication to developing the Ravenwood theme, based on a children's book Lisa wrote while being treated for cancer.
The garden at the pub has been transformed into a magical fantasy garden, and brings to life the adventures of enchanted chickens Tallulah, Olive, Mavis, Sylvia, Delores and their fairy friends as featured in the book, Tallulah and The Runaway Prince.
