A village pub is planning to put a barber in its bar - so people can enjoy a long-awaited haircut and pint when lockdown eases.
Bosses at the Prince's Motto in Barrow Gurney are to turn a dining area in the pub into a barber shop - called the Motto Choppo - with the hope it will open later this Spring.
Landlord Andy Miller said: “There are two things most of us want right now after lockdown.
“And that’s a pint and a haircut so we decided it would be a good idea to combine the two.”
Andy took over the pub three days before the first lockdown came into force last March and has spent the time, alongside manager Shonie Millward-Usher and band of locals, transforming the village inn.
He has already converted an old shed into a village shop - The Motto Shoppo - and has created new outside covered areas for people to enjoy a pint and something to eat when the pub re-opens for outside customers on April 12.
The shop, which has a coffee and fresh orange machine, sells a range of basics from local milk, fresh bread daily and eggs from the village.
It also offers a range of charcuterie goods and wines, ales, ciders and spirits.
During the first lockdown Andy and Shonie offered a shop service selling goods including hand sanitiser, milk and toilet roll from the front window of the pub.
“It was really well supported by the village,” said Shonie, “so we decided to do something more permanent.”
The duo were helped by local tradesmen, many who gave their time for free.
The costs of the planning application for the Motto Shoppo, which opened in June, were paid for by a crowdfunder which raised £600 in just three hours.
The pub has also been doing takeaway food - including Sunday lunches - which can be delivered locally.
“Covid gave us an opportunity to be able to do things while the pub has been closed,” said Andy.
“I say to my friends in the village, ‘I’ve got an idea’ and their eyes roll as if to say ‘not another one.”
Andy, who has worked in the licensing trade for 20 years, and Shonie are now looking to source a barber for the Motto Choppo, an idea suggested by villager Charlotte Mann.
“The idea is that we have a barber and Charlotte, who is keen to learn the trade, would work alongside them to do her training.”
Anyone interested in the barbering opportunity at the pub can email info@princesmotto.co.uk .
Read more about the transformation of the Princes Motto in a special feature on Bristol Live this weekend.
