Family-owned pub offers discounted roasts to say ‘massive thank you’

The Robin Hood, in Icklesham, had been offering takeaway roasts on Sundays to all key workers but, after the ‘huge success’ it received over the past few weeks, they extended it to include everybody throughout February.

One of the managers, Carly D’Arcy, who helps run the pub with her brother Phil and his wife Lorna, said: “At first, we offered the discount to keyworkers but then we just thought it’s been a really tough time for everyone – with people losing their jobs – that we decided to open it to everyone.

“These people who might have lost a job or be on furlough deserve to be looked after, they deserve a good hot meal. These meals really can make a difference.”

The Robin Hood pub has been owned by Carly’s parents – Sue and Michael D’Arcy – since 1997. Despite seeing a number of changes in that time, including the introduction of the smoking ban, nothing had compared to the difficulties of the past ten months.

The pub has been forced to close during three lockdowns, and also during the ever-changing tier systems before Christmas. A total of 14 staff members have been furloughed during that time.

Carly added: “It has been heartbreaking. Ahead of the first lockdown we were told at 4pm one day that we would have to close the next day. We have a lot of regulars who rely on us – we are their lifeline, their everything. They are now alone and it’s not like we can go and see them. For some of them, we are probably the only people they talk to.

“We opened up again in July, then we ran the Eat Out to Help Out in August but that received a mixed response from some customers. Then we had to close for a second time for the second lockdown, and then we had just 19 days open between then and Christmas before we were forced to close again under the tier restrictions.”

Working closely with Jamie’s Butchers, in Winchelsea; Crouch Butchers, in Staplehurst; and J and F Fruiterers, Rye; The Robin Hood pub is now offering takeaway roasts between 12pm and 7pm each Sunday. The offer includes a two-course meal at £5 for adults, and £2.50 for children. People have been advised to place their orders before each Saturday night due to the popularity. To place you order, please call 01424 814277.