A recent incident at the Jolly Farmers pub in Ormesby, Norfolk, has led to significant upheaval within the local community and the establishment itself. Gamekeeper Tom Bane recently recounted an encounter with the new landlords, Colin Swindlehurst and Tracy Jones, claiming that he was ordered to “get on your f** hands and knees” to clean the carpet after walking in with muddy boots. This altercation transpired shortly after the couple took over the pub on 27 March 2023, a mere two weeks prior to their eventual removal by the premises’ owners due to escalating tensions with locals.

Bane, who was accompanied by former landlord Harry Daisley at the time of the incident, described the couple’s behaviour as highly unprofessional. Daisley corroborated this, stating, “Tracy just fired a hundred Fs and a few Cs at us when we were in our boots. We had just come off the farm.” Complaints from patrons also highlighted a growing discontent with the couple, who appeared to impose a strict footwear policy, insisting that locals swap their wellington boots for slippers. Allegations arose claiming a shotgun was kept on-site, adding to the atmosphere of intimidation felt by some customers.

While Swindlehurst defended his actions as simply requesting patrons to remove their muddy boots, stating he had “no idea” why local sentiment soured, Bane expressed scepticism regarding some of the more extreme claims surrounding the pub. He remarked that reports about a gun were likely “some hocus-pocus”, although residents were understandably upset by other instances of behaviour at the pub, including a lewd fake number plate on display and plans to keep potbellied pigs in the garden.

The tension escalated to a point where the community began voicing their concerns on the pub’s Facebook page. One commentator noted, “I’d probably act a bit nicer to all us locals. So far, I’d say you’re losing custom rather than gaining any,” reflecting widespread criticism directed toward the new management. Another referred to a “rude abusive lady behind the bar,” signalling a growing consensus against the couple’s management style.

On 1 April, Stonegate, the pub’s owners, dispatched a representative to assess the unfolding crisis amid increasing complaints. Following a heated incident involving Swindlehurst returning to the pub after being informed about the alleged gun threats, the couple received a termination notice for their tenancy just days later. The official letter cited multiple incidents of unacceptable behaviour towards both staff and guests, a statement Swindlehurst contesting, insisting his apologies had been misunderstood.

As of 10 April, the Jolly Farmers has formally closed, leaving villagers concerned about the diminishing number of local pubs. Kathryn Wendt, chairman of the Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby Parish Council, remarked on the importance of the establishment as a community hub, especially in a village seeing other pubs closed. A community group pushing for its preservation has successfully sought designation as an Asset of Community Value, enabling some protections against potential changes to the property.

Currently, the pub is advertised for rent at just over £800 a week, promising a turnover estimated at around £620,000 annually. A spokesperson for Stonegate has stated their commitment to reopening the pub under new management in the near future, emphasising the need for acceptable behaviour from their publicans.

As the community grapples with the fallout of this dispute, it remains to be seen what future awaits the Jolly Farmers and its role within the fabric of village life in Ormesby.

Source: Noah Wire Services