Luton pub launches popular fruit and veg stall in lockdown

Sarah Wiseman and business partner Steve Leather have been selling fruit and veg outside the Brim and Crown since November 4, after the pub had to close during the second lockdown.

The initiative has been welcomed by Lutonians, with the pub’s regulars visiting to support the business, and new faces coming along to avoid busy shopping crowds.

Sarah said: “It’s been really really good, everybody has been very supportive. We do have slightly older customers who prefer not having to go into supermarkets in enclosed spaces. It makes them feel safer.

“It’s handy for a lot of people who are on their own, when they just want one or two pieces - we have one lady who comes to buy three tomatoes and a mushroom for her breakfast. It gets her out the house and she is able to say hello and stand at a distance.”

Sarah added: “We do have quite a few of the regulars who say, ‘since we can’t support you by having a beer, we’ll come and buy some fruit and veg instead!”

During the first lockdown the Brim and Crown managers had to “muddle through”, before the restrictions eased during the summer.

Sarah said: “Myself and my business partner Steve were running the pub and our timing was atrocious - we took over six weeks before the first lockdown!

“Then, in November when the second lockdown was announced there was a little more of a warning, so my business partner suggested, ‘why don’t we try this [the greengrocers]?”

The venture has been a great success, meaning Sarah and Steve will continue their fruit and veg stall after the Brim and Crown is allowed to reopen, with the duo supporting local farm shops and suppliers, including one in Willington.

Busy Steve makes a couple of trips to Spitalfields per week, too, while Sarah has been busy baking banana bread, crumbles, and quiches for the stall.

The greengrocers stall is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am-4pm, and will be launching its official name ‘Hobson’s Choice’ soon.

Facebook: Brim & Crown