When is a pub not a pub? When it's a Grocer's Shop and Off-License!
The night Boris (rightfully) told us to close on Friday March 20th, I opened the next day selling take-away beer and fresh fruit, vegetables, salads and groceries. As I am being supported financially by both the Government and Greene King, the pub owner, I decided it wasn't morally right to try and make money from the situation, so wondered what I could do to help, more than by just providing food and drink.
I decided to set up a fund to help local musicians who are struggling at the moment due to their inability to earn a living playing in pubs and clubs, so The Baldock Musicians Support Fund was formed,
My prices are based on 10% added to the cost of the goods - bought from the loyal local suppliers that have supported me over the past 10 years - EFG Foodservice, Fieldgate Nurseries, Chapman's Butchers, Hedley Wright Wine Merchants, Brewsters Brewery, Tring Brewery and the (ok not-so-local) Titanic Brewery (for their delicious Plum Porter). This covers my electricity and other utility bills - keeping a cellar cold is expensive!
I then add 20% to that, which 100% of goes directly to the fund, via their JustGiving page, so that the fundraising can be totally transparent.
I take absolutely no money for myself, again it just wouldn't be morally right 'to do so. I'm just running a shop whilst there are awesome people out there on the front line saving lives. If I can help them buy providing them with their essential food when they need it then its the least I can do.
If you wish to donate to this fund, please go here:-www.justgiving...
The fund is administered by the Balstock Music Festival Committee, who can be contacted via Facebook here:- www.balstock.c...
And you can follow The Orange Tree on Facebook here:- / the.orange.tree.baldock
The Shop (yes I'm still getting used to that...) is open from 4-7pm Monday to Friday and 12-2pm on Saturday and Sunday for general, safe shopping. If you wish to book a private shopping session, please call the pub on 01462 892341 to book a slot between 12 and 3pm on weekdays. We cannot accept booking or orders any other way then by telephone I'm afraid.
Most importantly, if you are a front-line worker, I will open especially for you any time between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm Weekends - you guys are INCREDIBLE!
They say you should use local suppliers, and shop with small local businesses, as you never know when you will need them. Well how right they were!
Cheers
Rob Scahill
Licensee
The Orange Tree Off-License and Grocer
Norton Road
Baldock
SG7 5AW
Tel: 01462 892341