New owners put Stubbington pub back in business

Mel Taylor and business partner Brian Readman recently took over at The Crofton pub in Stubbington and although had planned for a renovation before reopening, due to the lockdown, they had to settle for a new carpet and some gardening before they opened today.

Mel said: ‘It is so good to have people in and they have all been really understanding on the rules.

‘It is all table service and it has been lovely getting to speak to our customers. It feels a bit weird being open finally but we are so happy.

‘We did a bit of role play before we opened for the staff to have a practice on what they need to do and they have all been amazing.

Mel and Brian were staff members themselves at the pub for 12 to 16 years before taking it over from their old boss.

She added: ‘It was a bit scary, going into ownership just as lockdown started, but support from the government and our pub group has kept us afloat.

‘We had a bit of a soft opening and were really strict on numbers but everyone has stuck to the rules and hopefully it will continue to all go well.’

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