First visitors to 'fantastic' Covid safe care home pub pod!

Ashmere Nottinghamshire Ltd, which runs the Sutton Lodge, Sutton Manor and Sutton Court homes, on Priestsic Road, has allowed the first visitors in to its new ‘pub pod,’‘The Ashmere Arms’.

The building, on the Ashmere site, is in the style of a traditional hostelry complete with Covid 19 safety measures.

Features include screens, an Ozone machine which cleans between visits, anti-bacterial stations, and an outside deck.

Mark Conway visited Sutton Lodge resident ‘Peter.’ Mark also volunteered to help build the pub.

He said: “I can't thank Ashmere enough for the time spent with Pete. It is an amazing place, every family and every resident will benefit in time to come.

“Everyone involved in this project needs to feel very proud of what they have done and how much this will mean to families and residents. Well done!” Another resident Shirley Ward and was also able to visit with her daughter Sue Wise.

Ashmere Nottinghamshire Ltd MD Claire Sharpe said: “We opened the Ashmere Arms this week and allowed the families of those who have volunteered with us to use it first. The feedback has been fantastic.

"Families are delighted to have a private warm inviting place to spend quality time with their loved ones whilst everyone stays safe from Covid. It is just like a traditional pub, where they can enjoy a drink and a chat. The project has taken six months and has been a ‘labour of love.’

Claire said: “From my initial vision to the final outcome of what my team has achieved it has exceeded my expectations. I’m so grateful to my incredibly hard working who staff got onboard with my pub idea. When we were going through a horrendous time in the spring, it may have seemed slightly crazy!

"The residents now have a safe space to go, a much needed outing with new surroundings, and are welcomed by the smiling faces of their loved ones holding a pint on arrival! I’m thrilled. We’ve achieved something wonderful in times of great sadness.”

She added “It’s our mission to be the ‘leading light’ in elderly care. Our Covid secure pub is an example of how we are pushing to achieve this goal.”