In a turbulent episode that has captivated the local community, the Jolly Farmers pub in Ormesby has experienced a rapid turnover of landlords following a controversy involving muddy boots and the behaviour of its new management.
Tom Bane, a local farmer, visited the pub for what he anticipated would be a peaceful drink with his friend Harry Daisley. Daisley, a former landlord of the establishment, arrived with Bane directly after work, both wearing muddy footwear. Their visit quickly escalated into a public dispute after Colin Swindlehurst and his partner Tracy Jones, the new landlords, confronted them about their boots.
Bane recounted the incident, stating that their formal request to remove their boots was met with a hostile response. He relayed that Mr Swindlehurst told him: "You can get on your f*g hands and knees and scrub my carpets, you bloody booted c*s." In contrast, Swindlehurst claimed his initial request was simply a polite suggestion to keep the carpets clean, expressing concern about the potential dirt associated with Bane’s muddy boots.
Following the confrontation, tensions grew further when accusations emerged on social media, alleging that Jones had brandished a shotgun in the bar—a claim the couple vehemently denied. A manager from Stonegate, the company overseeing the pub, was dispatched to investigate. After a heated exchange with Swindlehurst, who was accused of exhibiting "unacceptable behaviour," his contract was terminated just two weeks after they took over.
Despite the upheaval, Bane noted that some informal solutions were proposed, including the installation of lockers for muddy boots and the provision of slippers—an idea Swindlehurst argued had been well-received at their previous pub. However, the brewing controversy ultimately prohibited the implementation of such measures.
In the backdrop of these disputes, locals have voiced their concerns about the management style of Swindlehurst and Jones. Daisley characterised their attitude as both impolite and unprofessional, recalling a time when Jones remarked that they should ensure that their friend "not wear his f*g boots." Daisley contended that the pub should be welcoming to locals coming straight from work, especially given its agricultural ties and the name "Farmers."
Additionally, Bane mentioned other contentious plans unveiled by the landlords, such as the introduction of a 'geriatric karaoke' night and the notion of housing potbellied pigs in the garden. He suggested that such ideas were met with scepticism from villagers, which contributed to the couple's unpopularity.
The local community's pride in their pub is evident, further underscored by the formation of a group called "Save the (Jolly) Farmers, Ormesby," which recently succeeded in nominating the establishment as an Asset of Community Value. However, the future of the pub remains uncertain, as Stonegate has announced that it will remain closed while seeking new management.
The Jolly Farmers underwent a significant renovation costing £150,000 in 2021, now officially known as The Farmers, though many locals retain the original title. Despite efforts to rejuvenate the space, it has seen three sets of landlords within a year and prolonged periods of closure. Stonegate has listed the pub for rent, stating a weekly cost of over £800, with a projected annual turnover of approximately £620,000.
As the community awaits further developments, the circumstances surrounding the pub offer a glimpse into the complexities of local hospitality and the challenges faced by newcomers attempting to integrate within established social fabric.
Source: Noah Wire Services