The Lord Nelson pub, Winthorpe, converted into shop and delivery service for Newark-based community Winthorpe community

Following the news that village residents were finding it difficult to access food and essential items, a pub owner has launched a shop and delivery service.

Emilie Clark, who owns the Lord Nelson, in Winthorpe, has converted the site of the pub into a shop, offering essential food items such as bread, milk, potatoes and snacks, which members of the community can collect or have delivered.

She said the new initiative, which comes after the Government requested the closure of all pubs, with the exception of those offering takeaway services, demonstrated the continued desire and passion of publicans across the country to act as a hub for their communities.

Residents can now also order hot meals freshly cooked by resident chef, and Emilie ’s partner, David Donohue, at a reduced price from the pub’s online take-away menu.

In order to fulfil up to 60 deliveries a day, Emilie has gained the help of former employees living in the village to help out.

Food delivery is open to those within the local villages, including Winthorpe, Langford and Holme, from Tuesday to Saturday, 12 – 2pm and 5pm – 7.30pm as well as Sunday, 12 – 4pm.

Emilie said: “I was really concerned about my local community being able to access essential items as well as being able to get a hot, home cooked meal.

"We have many elderly and vulnerable people in the village and the surrounding area, so this was the least I could do in their time of need.

"The uptake has been phenomenal and I’m making several deliveries throughout the day — it just goes to show how much it is needed and I will keep this going for as long as I can.”