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22
Feb 2024
‘People need a community pub these days’, says new Jennyfields pub landlord
The Stone Beck pub reopened last week following its sudden closure six months ago.
The pub, which is part of the 1970s-built Jennyfield Local Centre, was forced to shut after police discovered it did not have a designated premises supervisor.
People in Jennyfields awaited a new landlord prepared to take on the pub and, arguably, turn its reputation around. Yesterday, the Stray Ferret spoke to the man who has taken on the challenge to do precisely that.
Alan Evans, 42, who previously owned Geek Bar in Harrogate, says he decided to take on the Stone Beck as a form of “semi-retirement”.
Mr Evans, who is originally from Jennyfields, doesn't shy away from the pub's reputation. He says he and his team feel passionately about making people that “may not have previously felt comfortable coming into the pub” feel welcome.
He adds:
What changes can people expect?
Mr Evans says he plans to transform the Stone Beck into a community pub, with a goal to “make good, make money and make better”.
The team has re-vamped areas that were “in need of some TLC” while remaining focused on providing a good service to make a profit and “re-invest it into the pub”, he says, adding:
He also said the pub will offer a range of themed nights and events to encourage different members of the community to visit the pub.
These include daytime bingo sessions for older people, which will be in partnership with Jennyfields Fisheries, as well as line dancing evenings and charity events. 
Mr Evans also told the Stray Ferret there will be a wide range of board games on offer. He added:
These will be free to play but require a deposit. People will also be able to take part in tournaments.
Food and drink
Mr Evans says the pub will serve “premium products at mid-range prices” to ensure it is affordable for the local community.
There are a range of draught beers and ales, including John Smiths and Stella Artois, which range between £3.50 and £4.50 per pint. Wine, spirits and soft drinks are also available.
The pub will also serve food in the coming weeks. Mr Evans says the menu will consist of “traditional pub-grub”, as well as American-style hot dogs and chilli, adding:
In addition, the Stone Beck team also hopes to make the site a hub for remote workers, with free WIFI and charging points available.
Mr Evans told the Stray Ferret:
The Stone Beck is open daily from 11am to 11pm.
Mr Evans says the reaction has already been positive since last week's reopening:
It's been a difficult time for the local centre. In November, Boots announced it would be closing its pharmacy located in the Co-op.
Following that, several residents expressed concerns to the Stray Ferret about the future of retail in Jennyfields, as just one of four shops remains open at the site.
Most of the shops are still boarded up — but the reopened Stone Beck is breathing new life into the area.
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