Prince William pops to the pub for a pint

06-Jul-2020 - Last updated on 06-Jul-2020 at 11:37 GMT

Royal approval: The Duke of Cambridge shows his support to the pub trade

Related tags Coronavirus Prince william of wales Norfolk

Pubs received their biggest show of support prior to reopening on Saturday 4 July when HRH the Duke of Cambridge popped into the Rose & Crown in Snettisham, Norfolk, for a swift pint.

On his visit, the Prince also discussed with the pub’s owners Jeannette and Anthony Goodrich, who took over as licensees 25 years ago, how the coronavirus pandemic has affected them and their business.

The 600-year-old pub remains a focal point in its community and the Duke was told how it remained as such during the pandemic by donating stock to charities and providing support for members of the community.

Placed on furlough

Staff who had been placed on furlough during the lockdown were described as excited by the Duke's visit, as well as being able to return to work.

The Duke also learnt how the operation had been adapted ahead of the pub’s reopening in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, as well as how the staff had worked to develop a food and drink takeaway offering prior to reopening.

Jeanette said: “It was a great honour to have the Prince visit the Rose & Crown today. He was very interested to hear about the experience of the business and the team during lock down and to hear of the measures being put in place to enable the business to reopen safely for both customers and staff.

Anthony added: “The Prince showed a great understanding of the value of the hospitality industry to Norfolk, and to the rest of the country, and of how many businesses outside pubs and hotels had been affected by their closure.”

Sympathy for those affected

Anthony continued: “The Duke had great sympathy for those affected but also expressed hope that there might be positive outcomes from the lockdown in terms of people reconsidering the pace of their lives and the time spent with family.”

Andrew Waddison, owner of AWPR, which works with and supports the hospitality sector in the area, said: “We work closely with some many incredible businesses across Norfolk and to see the Duke here today to support this fantastic local pub is wonderful.

“His passion for the area was evident and there can be no better way to relaunch Norfolk’s hospitality industry thank by serving a pint to the future king.”