Northamptonshire family-run pub 'welcomes back' old faces after launching delivery service

Jim Demetri bought The Pytchley Inn in West Haddon back in 1973 following a stint running The Royal on Wellingborough Road. After arriving from Cyprus in 1959 he originally trained as a chef at The Cumberland in London.

For the past 10 years, his wife, Tracey, has been his sidekick, helping him with the everyday running of the business from assisting with the menu and hiring out their 18 guestrooms.

But since March 23 when the country went into lockdown the pair have become the backbone of their community and have helped to feed the vulnerable at home and have given key workers a roof over their heads.

"We had always offered the option for local people to take our food home if they were unable to get out but this was a fairly low key part of the business," Tracey said.

"The atmosphere and buzz created by customers in a busy premises was always our main aim prior to Covid-19.

“Like many other pubs and restaurants we had lots of pre-bookings for Mothering Sunday and since we already had some take away experience we were able to quickly adapt in order to honour many bookings with a delivery of traditional roast lunch."

After closing their doors in line with Government guidelines ten weeks ago they spent the first three weeks planning menus and health and safety protocols.

On April 16 Jim and Tracey started to deliver a "trimmed down version" of their "unpretentious" menu from Thursday to Sunday, offering free deliveries up to a six-mile radius.

Customers now also have the option to pick up their food using a contactless collection service through an open window in their car park, which the pair are thinking about continuing once they are up and running.

Tracey added: "We have been overwhelmed by the support from the people of West Haddon and the surrounding villages.

"We are very lucky in this area. The Pytchley is one of many local businesses - small independent shops, pubs and suppliers - who have had to change their offer overnight and have literally been rolling up their sleeves and working relentlessly to support the local community.

"And, in turn, the local community have supported us. It’s been a real eye-opener and makes you really value the community that you live within."

She said that some customers who have been self-isolating have described their weekly delivery of a hot meal as the “focal point” of their week.

"It’s been very gratifying to welcome new customers and some who haven’t visited The Pytchley for many years have returned to enjoy our ‘Dine In At Home’ service," she added.

"Personally I found that people have become more patient and appreciative and there is a real understanding that we are all trying our best to make the most of a situation that we have little control over."