Colin Swindlehurst and Tracy Jones’ brief tenure as landlords of the Jolly Farmers pub in Ormesby, Norfolk, came to an abrupt end after just two weeks amid controversy and community backlash. The couple took over the rural establishment, formally renamed The Farmers, on 27 March 2024, promising entertainment such as bingo nights, karaoke, and a new menu. However, their time at the pub was marred by disputes over their management style, resulting in the pub’s closure by the owners, Stonegate Group, on 10 April 2024.
The controversy began when the landlords introduced a rule that patrons, many of whom were local agricultural workers, had to remove their muddy boots and wear slippers inside the pub. This practice, which Swindlehurst said had been successful at a pub he and Jones previously ran in Devon, involved installing lockers outside for footwear storage. “All the farmers [in Devon] used to respect our pub,” Mr Swindlehurst explained, describing how the system required visitors to leave their boots outside in a cupboard and wear slippers inside.
However, this policy was met with strong resistance from locals in Ormesby. Complaints started to surface on the pub’s Facebook page, with one customer lamenting, “Far from a jolly experience. Rude abusive lady behind the bar. Seemed unable to string a sentence together and when she did it was with a tirade of F words thrown in. Ormesby deserves so much better!” Another commented on the incompatibility of the muddy boots rule with rural custom, questioning “Where are we supposed to drink?”
Tensions escalated further due to unfounded rumours that the couple kept a shotgun behind the bar and had threatened patrons. Reports circulated that someone was allegedly “threatened with a gun they kept upstairs,” though others disputed the claim, noting that such an act would have led to police involvement. Stonegate subsequently sent a manager from head office to investigate the situation. During this visit, Mr Swindlehurst admitted to losing his temper when he discovered that his partner had been questioned about having a gun, a claim she denied. Swindlehurst described his reaction to the manager’s enquiries: “I said ‘Hang on a minute, why is Stonegate listening to this rubbish?’ I went absolutely mental,” adding that his approach was confrontational but that he never physically assaulted the manager, contradicting accusations that he tried to hit him.
Following the incident, Stonegate received several “threatening and abusive messages” directed at their manager, contributing to the decision to terminate the Swindlehurst and Jones's tenancy. Stonegate’s spokesperson said: “This decision was made due to multiple incidents of unacceptable behaviour towards both Stonegate colleagues and the pub’s guests, which we will not tolerate. Consequently, the Jolly Farmer has been temporarily closed while we recruit for a new publican.”
Locals expressed mixed feelings about the situation. One resident, speaking to the Daily Mail, said: “They rubbed people up the wrong way right from the start. Has anyone ever heard of a pub telling people they have to wear slippers? It’s ridiculous.” Another remarked: “I don’t know about a shotgun but everyone was talking about the place. I say good riddance.” Conversely, pub chef Tom Proctor defended the couple, asserting there was no gun involved and praising their kindness, saying, “All they did was treat me with kindness. They even got me somewhere to stay for the night.”
The Jolly Farmers, which boasts a ‘traditional pub’ interior featuring wooden floors and beamed ceilings, underwent a £150,000 refurbishment in 2021 but has faced instability with three sets of landlords cycling through the past year. It serves a village of approximately 2,750 residents and has been described as a vital community hub by locals and parish council members. Kathryn Wendt, chairman of Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby Parish Council, emphasised the pub’s importance: “It’s very important because it’s the only pub in the village. All the other pubs in the village have closed. It was a community hub for quizzes and meet-ups.”
Community members have formed a group called “Save the (Jolly) Farmers, Ormesby,” which recently succeeded in having the pub nominated as an Asset of Community Value. This designation affords some protection against redevelopment or change of use, underscoring the community’s desire to keep the pub open.
Stonegate Group is currently advertising the pub for lease, with a weekly rent of just over £800 and a projected annual turnover of around £620,000. The listing highlights the pub’s well-equipped commercial kitchen, delightful garden, and patio areas. A spokesperson for Stonegate concluded: “We are committed to reopening the pub under new management as soon as possible.”
For now, the future of the Jolly Farmers — a community landmark in rural Norfolk — remains uncertain as the owners seek new landlords willing to rebuild trust with the local population.
Source: Noah Wire Services