‘People need a community pub these days’, says new Jennyfields pub landlord

Last updated Feb 22, 2024

Alan Evans is the new 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”.

“I’ve been in the hospitality industry since I was 14 and I have 26 years of experience running bars. If you’ve drunk alcohol in Harrogate, likelihood is I have served you.

“I also own a mobile bar business and I’ve spent the last 10 years driving up and down the country. I loved it, but I’d like to be settled in one place rather than serving footballers at different events.

“I’m back home now and I want to put my all into this.”

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:

“We won’t tolerate any trouble-making.

“I’ve been in this industry a long time and I feel I know how to handle those situations. Sy, the manager, also has a lot of experience working on doors, so he too knows how to diffuse those situations in the right manner.

“We’re also working with the police and Punch Pubs, which owns the site, to ensure that sort of behaviour is limited, and people feel welcome.

“So far, we’ve had no trouble and some people, who have never come in before now, told us they felt happy and safe here.”

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:

“We spent about four weeks cleaning the place!

“We’ve added in new windows, we’re changing the lighting, refurbishing the beer garden and adding some licks of paint too.

“We also actually turned the heating on. We are really aware of presentation and although it’s a work in progress right now, I’d say we’re just lifting everything rather than turning it into a trendy bar.”

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:

“This idea came off the back of Geek Bar.

“We’re working with The Secret Lair. It’s a not-for-profit that invites people to play board games – a lot of people play Dungeons and Dragons too – and just encourages people to socialise.

“It’s for absolutely anyone, but it’s proven popular with people that may be on the autistic spectrum, those with social anxiety and members of the LGBTQ+ community. People can be whoever they want to be when playing those games or getting into a character.

“It’s just a way of getting people out the house and socialising. It’s great.”

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:

“We’re looking at getting a coffee machine so we can serve bacon rolls and hot drinks for people. Also, we’re in talks with street food vendors to host summer events.

“Basically, the pub is a place where you can buy a bottle of wine and not break the bank.”

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:

“We’ll be abiding by all the rules and regulations that are in place for the pub and we welcome anyone that does the same.

“Providing people respect the rules and laws, the venue and us, they are welcome.

“We’re running this pub as a business, not as a hobby, and we’ve got plans to keep it up and running for a long time.

“People need a community pub these days and that’s what we plan to deliver.”

The Stone Beck is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Mr Evans says the reaction has already been positive since last week’s reopening:

“I feel really enthusiastic about it. People have already given great feedback and we’ve already encouraged people who didn’t feel comfortable coming to the pub to come down, which is great.

“I’m really excited about the future of the Stone Beck.”

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.