Northamptonshire village pub opens permanent shop after success of pop-up lockdown supermarket

A village pub in Northamptonshire has opened a permanent shop onsite after finding success with a pop-up supermarket during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Plough at Shutlanger's restaurant turned into a store in March last year to feed villagers and those who did not want to go a large supermarket.

The Plough Barn Shop opened last week as the owners look to diversify with the pub closed as well as supporting local residents and businesses.

Marketing manager Felicity Read-Jones said: "We turned the restaurant into a shop during lockdown one and it was so well received that we decided to convert a barn into a permanent fixture.

"We want to be able to offer locally made produce to support other businesses and offer something different to the big supermarkets.

"Seeing as so many people are getting out for walks and cycling, it’s hopefully going to be a nice place for a pit-stop on their way too."

The shop has been set up in a barn behind the Main Road pub, stocking all of the usual goods you would expect in a village store.

There is fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese, wine and spirits, lots of locally-sourced items plus many essentials and treats too, including vegan and gluten-free.

Bread and cakes are made every morning by new shop manager Ellie Collins, who is a former pastry chef, while pub co-owner and chef Jim Kay plans to make fresh dishes to takeaway.

Takeaway coffees are on offer when possible and Felicity said they hope to be selling fresh flowers and gifts in the future.

Masks are compulsory, only two shoppers are allowed in at once, a hand sanitising station is by the door and click-and-collect is available too.

Felicity said: "It always been [pub co-owner] Jessie King's dream to have a shop here and lockdown one, didn't force them in to it, but it made it happen sooner as a way to protect the pub.

"Towcester is the nearest place for villagers to shop but you have to drive but here, people can walk down and it seems to be going well, which is great."

The Plough Barn Shop opened for the first time on Wednesday, January 13, and will be open from midday to 6pm Wednesday to Saturday.