Management at a Hinstock pub aim to make it the “focal point of the village” this weekend with a charity street party.
The Big Lunch will take place at the Falcon Inn this Sunday from noon and has been organised by Paul Halmshaw and Ben Freakley
The pair took over the pub in May and hope to recreate parts of the Falcon’s history from 100 years ago at the street party, including a pillow fight and wheelbarrow race.
Paul and Ben hope to have other events at the Falcon, including a beer festival next month.
Paul, 29, said: “We were quite lucky to have come across it as we were both looking for a small pub to run.
“Ben mentioned that the Falcon might be coming on the market and I was approached by the previous owners because its lease was up.
“They asked us whether we were interested and I thought it would be perfect because of the location and history, so I snapped up the opportunity.”
Paul, who is the Falcon’s chef, has worked in catering for 14 years while Ben first worked behind the bar of the pub three years ago and manages its 18 members of staff.
“I’ve lived in Hinstock all my life and this used to be my local pub before I went off and did a bit of management elsewhere,” Ben, 24, said.
“It’s really great to be back because I know 90 per cent of the locals who come in and I’ve got a connection with them.
“The Falcon is the focal point of the village and Paul and I have both got a lot of enthusiasm to make it work.”
The pub introduced a new menu soon after the pair arrived, using food produced locally, and Paul said he was encouraged by the response from regulars.
“When we came, we decided to make everything fresh and it was an instant success,” Paul said.
“I’m confident that if we can make it work now, the Falcon will grow in the next few years.”
Tickets for the Big Lunch are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children and for further information, contact the Falcon Inn on 01952 550241.
By Winston Brown