In Ormesby, the Jolly Farmers pub, recently rebranded as The Farmers, has witnessed yet another upheaval following the dismissal of its new landlords, Colin Swindlehurst and Tracy Jones, just two weeks into their tenure. The incident that triggered this swift turnover involved a dispute over muddy footwear, escalating to accusations of unacceptable behaviour and subsequent investigations by the pub's management company, Stonegate.
Tom Bane, a local patron, visited the pub directly after work on nearby farmland, accompanied by his friend Harry Daisley, a former landlord of the pub. Both men sported muddy boots from their day’s work, an attire considered commonplace by many of the pub's regulars, particularly those involved in agriculture. Mr. Bane recounted that he was met with a shocking response from the new landlords, stating, “You can get on your f*g hands and knees and scrub my carpets you bloody booted c*s,” a depiction of rudeness he described as some of the most impolite behaviour he had encountered.
In contrast, Mr. Swindlehurst claimed his initial request to Mr. Bane was simply, “would you mind taking your boots off, mate?” emphasising concerns over cleanliness for the pub's carpets. He later reflected that their “northern forwardness” may not have been well received by the locals, suggesting a cultural disconnect.
The conflict did not end with the footwear debacle; it quickly spiralled into further complaints, including allegations that Ms. Jones had brandished a shotgun in the pub. Both individuals vehemently denied these accusations, a position supported by a lack of police action. Mr. Bane acknowledged the absence of arrests, stating, “if no arrests have been made, there would not have been an illegal gun on site.”
The fallout from the shotgun claims prompted a manager from Stonegate to investigate, which culminated in a confrontation between Mr. Swindlehurst and the official. Following this altercation, Stonegate terminated their contract, citing “multiple incidents of unacceptable behaviour towards both Stonegate colleagues and the pub's guests.”
In an effort to address local concerns, the couple had proposed creating a locker system for muddy boots and offering slippers, a practice they claimed had enjoyed popularity at their previous establishment in Devon. However, this initiative was never realised due to their abrupt dismissal.
Further controversy arose from Mr. Swindlehurst’s proposed ideas for the pub, which included a “geriatric karaoke” night and plans to keep potbellied pigs in the garden. Many locals appeared sceptical of these suggestions, amplifying sentiments of discontent towards the new management. Daisley noted that Mr. Swindlehurst had displayed a lewd mock number plate above the bar—“Sha 6er”—which was quickly removed after locals expressed their disapproval.
With three sets of landlords in 12 months, the pub has struggled to maintain stable management following a significant £150,000 refurbishment in 2021. It is currently being advertised for lease by Stonegate at a rent of just over £800 per week, projecting an annual turnover of around £620,000. Locals have formed a community group, ‘Save the (Jolly) Farmers, Ormesby’, which successfully achieved a nomination for the pub as an Asset of Community Value. However, the future remains uncertain as the establishment awaits new management willing to take on the challenge.
As the situation unfolds, the Jolly Farmers, a name still fondly remembered by many, stands quiet, its reopening status yet to be determined.
Source: Noah Wire Services