White Horse pub in Sudbury delighted by community support for food delivery service during coronavirus lockdown

The owners of a pub in Sudbury have thanked the community for their continued support during the coronavirus lockdown.

Gary and Ashley Addison, who run the White Horse in North Street, were forced to close their business after the Government imposed a nationwide lockdown of pubs, bars, theatres and restaurants last month, to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Feeling downhearted by the closure, the couple decided to serve hot dishes with a range of drinks by establishing a takeaway food service seven days a week.

“We were quite depressed and upset about having to close, so we thought we should give it a go,” said Mrs Addison, a mother-of-two.

Determined to continue trading, the couple have had to quickly adapt their business to operate a delivery and collection service to reflect the Government’s guidelines on food outlets.

“It’s hard work because we haven’t done delivery before, so it’s been a big learning curve,” said Mrs Addison, adding that the couple had been left humbled by the town’s support.

“The community has been great. It’s just us and our two little girls, so it’s not easy, but people have been understanding.”

Having established the service, Mrs Addison said the move had enabled the couple to continue paying staff, who have been instructed to remain at home.

“We have done it to generate an income to keep money in their bank accounts and to keep them afloat,” she said.

“It’s not an easy business these days – my husband works seven days a week and we have a young family.

“It’s lovely having family time, but there’s the fear of losing the business.”

Reflecting on plans to develop their takeaway service, Mrs Addison said: “We have to weigh up the options. If we can expand without harming anyone, we will, but keeping people safe is the priority.

“We are not greedy people and health and safety is paramount in this situation.”