Much to the delight of locals, an historic pub near Swanage has taken on running part of the pub as a village shop, after the nearby post office closed.
The King’s Arms in Langton Matravers had already diversified during the Covid crisis to offer local produce in a small delicatessen – named after the pub cat Trevor – that opened in October 2020.
But now with the retirement of the owners of the village post office they are offering a full shop service inside the 350 year old pub.
The village store – just along from the pub – before it closed
“Takes you back to playing with velcro and plastic money”
Landlady, turned shopkeeper, Zoe Wells said:
“It sounds unusual but during the Covid times a lot more pubs are doing this and in fact it’s a traditional thing that happened back in the day when the pub used to have stocks of food and things behind the bar.
“It’s takes you back to playing at shops with velcro and plastic money when you were a kid!
“We are thoroughly enjoying it. We love looking after our locals and making sure they’re part of it and get in the things that they want.”
The historic King’s Arms in Langton Matravers
Natural development of the deli
Partner Ricky Lucas bought the pub nine years ago, having previously worked behind the bar and in the kitchens. Before that he had an orange coloured ice cream van in Swanage. His father and brother run Lime Frog Bathrooms in the town.
The shop is a natural extension of the successful Trevor’s Deli, offering local produce and essentials.
Clever Trevor – inspired a deli
The deli first opened in October 2020 and has now been expanded
“Learning on the job”
Ricky said:
“We are both learning on the job. It’s a bit of a challenge but it’s great fun and you get to meet different people from the village, other than the regulars at the pub. You have to speak in a different way!
“We are lucky because we’ve got good community support in Langton and we have had a really good response.”
Tasty – the shop specialises in local produce and essentials
“Stepped up and did everything they could”
Local resident Linda Welsh said the couple had really made a difference during the Covid crisis:
“They were brilliant. They stepped up and did everything they could. If it hadn’t been for them we would have had to go to Swanage or Harmans Cross to get bread and milk. Anyone in the village can just walk there.
“All over the country village shops are closing down so we can count ourselves lucky that they stepped in.”
Within easy walking distance for villagers
“Making a difference”
The couple’s contribution – which included deliveries of meals to people who couldn’t get out – was recognised by a community award from Norden Farm.
Zoe said:
“A village shop is such an important part of the community and it’s nice to feel you are making a difference.”
Clever Trevor – reasons to be cheerful
