New village store opens inside West Norfolk pub

West Norfolk publicans Rachael and Jeremy Parke have opened a new village store at their premises – filling a local need and creating two jobs.The new venture has opened at The Duck in Stanhoe and is called the ‘Stanhoe Stores’.It was opened with expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs diversify and provide essential local services.

The publicans have established a thriving trade at The Duck which serves as not only a local pub but a destination food venue.Stanhoe is a small village with just under 200 residents and limited facilities apart from the pub and village hall. Rachael and Jeremy soon realised there was a need for a village store to support both local people and visitors to the area as it is four miles to the nearest shop and there is limited public transport.Members of the local community were overwhelmingly supportive of the idea and the store was opened within a garden room in the grounds of the pub.

It stocks a range of essentials such as milk, bread and household items but also supports local suppliers with produce including meats, cheeses, chutneys, chocolates, fresh breads and pastries. There are plans to extend the range of products on offer after feedback from customers and they are set to launch a range of recipe kits for people to cook at home. The kits have been designed by Jeremy, who also works as the pub’s chef.The store also has some exciting Christmas plans including an ‘Advent Calendar’ with 24 different local products being available in the days up to Christmas. Customers who purchase the items will get the opportunity to be entered into a New Year draw to win a party hamper. Within the shop, there is also an intimate seating area with a log burner where customers can enjoy coffee or tea and cake. This is already proving a popular meeting spot with people already popping in for a chat and some social interaction.

The store has also created employment with two new jobs.It is open Wednesday to Sunday at 9am with breakfast/brunches served, to 4pm, and there are plans to extend the opening times – but the shop can be opened anytime for customers when the pub is trading.Rachael said: “We have had so much support from local residents for the village store. The log burner seating area is proving to be very popular with people popping in for a chat, a coffee and to read the paper in a relaxed environment.”

She added: “The store is an essential service that is helping villagers get their provisions without having to travel many miles to the nearest shops. We are dedicated to supporting other local suppliers which will help boost the local economy.” Pub is The Hub regional advisor Terry Stork added: “Rachael and Jeremy have already established The Duck as the hub of the village. This is a pub that has a fantastic food offer and has something for both locals and visitors to the area.”He added: “Offering vital local services such as a village shop is so important to rural areas. Stanhoe Stores is not just a place offering those important essentials but it is already a meeting place where people can get together and connect which helps overcome social isolation.”