Pub boosts menu by offering allotments

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A pub has boosted trade through offering regulars allotment plots in their garden are encouraging other licensees to consider doing the same. The...

A pub has boosted trade through offering regulars allotment plots in their garden are encouraging other licensees to consider doing the same.

The Fox and Hounds Inn at Cattistock, in Dorset, has created eight plots which are shared between a 'grow-your-own' community of 14 people from the village.

Licensees Liz and Scott Flight came up with the idea as a response to a nationwide shortage of allotments, and believe other pubs could enjoy the same benefits.

"There's no charge for an allotment - all we ask is that any excess produce is donated to the pub," says Liz.

This has included potatoes, onions, runner beans and a range of other fresh produce.

"It's difficult to work out how much we've saved on our food bills, but it's made a difference."

The initiative has also boosted trade, with customers travelling from further afield to try the pub's daily specials and locally sourced menu.

The couple have run the pub on a tenancy with family brewer Palmers for 18 months.

"We knew we wanted to grow our own fresh produce.

"Fortunately, we've got a lot of land and the allotments seemed like a great way to get what we need, as well as to support the community," added Liz.

The pub has kept a trade garden for al fresco drinks and dining.

Palmers has backed the initiative, and drawn up annual agreements for the allotment holders.

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