It’s like the fifties, shopping local and with a renewed appreciation for the corner shop. That’s how it is in Grassington at least, now that John and Sue Rudden of the Grassington House hotel and restaurant have reinvented themselves as the local village store.
They are selling fish, meat fruit, veg and dairy produce from their font door with along with grocery items like flour, yeast and oil, all within the rules and displayed behind the hotel’s railings. Naturally John is cooking, providing take-away dinners – £15 for two courses or a family size pie (£12) to reheat at home. Sounds terrific value.
But while supplying the village with spuds and carrots and free fruit for kids, is generous, it’s not going to keep the business afloat. The economic pressures and the uncertain future for hotel/restaurants like Grassington House are enormous. The Ruddens have furloughed their staff but they don’t qualify for a government grant scheme so they have set up a Crowdfunder page for customers to pledge funds to be redeemed for food and/or accommodation when all this is over.
I’ve stayed and eaten at Grassington House and can tell you it’s well worth pledging a few quid, not only for a good dinner and a peaceful night in one of the loveliest villages in Yorkshire, but to support one of the many small, independent businesses that need your help right now.