Takeaway service enables Cock Horse pub in Lavenham to stay afloat during coronavirus lockdown

The manager of a pub in Lavenham has hailed the success of its new takeaway service in ensuring the future of its business.

The Cock Horse in Church Street was forced to shut in March following the Government’s instruction that all pubs, restaurants and theatres should close to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Chris Poole, general manager at Atalian Servest, the company which runs the pub, said the business decided to bring forward the launch of its takeaway service to enable it to continue trading.

“With the forced closure, trade had dropped to zero overnight and, while the idea of a takeaway service was in the business plan for 2020, the management team decided to fast track its plans to adapt to the new environment and help the local community,” he said.

The business has imposed stringent safety measures while operating its two-day delivery service on Fridays and Saturdays in order to satisfy government guidelines set out for food outlets.

While the team has been left humbled by the community’s continued support, Mr Poole highlighted that the establishment still faced limited trading opportunities.

“The takeaway service has helped the business survive,” he said. “But, of course, it is no substitute for the great loss in traditional revenue and, while it is not yet known when the business can reopen to trade as normal, we are already making plans to include adapting our two large beer gardens, front and back, to make them a safe and relaxed environment for when we can reopen these areas.”