'Amazing' response as Chesterfield pub turns into bakery during coronavirus lockdown

Mark Aisthorpe, landlord at the Bull’s Head, Holymoorside, began early in the lockdown by making fudge from ingredients which would have been thrown away by his suppliers.

Soon the pub was selling delicious loaves, cobs and croissants – and Mark says he has had an ‘amazing response’ from his regulars.

“The locals have been really supportive,” Mark said.

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“They can't wait for us to reopen and a lot have begged us to promise the bakery will continue when we reopen, we may even look at opening Saturday morning for coffees and pastries/breakfast.

“We have always made fresh bread for our restaurant so decided let’s make some to sell as well.”

Mark has cystic fibrosis, which puts him in the highest risk group during the pandemic, and his partner is a nurse.

“She had to move out due to her treating Covid-19 patients so that’s been an extra stress for us with being closed and her not being at home.

“Like everyone though I am really proud of her as a nurse making such a difference.”

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The Bull’s Head has also started offering a takeaway service.

Mark said: “We have a set menu, fish and chips on Fridays and then we do something different every Saturday or Sunday. One week it was homemade pizza on the Saturday and we did our Sunday lunch as a takeaway.”

Mark is keen the pub reopens as soon as possible, but only once it is safe to do so.

“We get asked every day about reopening as if we have a hot line to Boris – but obviously we see the same news as everyone else,” he said.

“I suppose the main concern is that we are allowed to reopen but in such a restricted way it simply doesn't make sense.”

Mark added: “Obviously we want to reopen so our customers can not only have a drink and something to eat but just as importantly catch up with friends they haven't seen for three months.”

Mark is also selling bread from his other pub, Wingerworth’s Barley Mow.

Visit the Bull’s Head website.

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