A local couple on the brink of homelessness in the wake of COVID-19 found a fresh start when they were given the opportunity to run a pub, which opens today.
The couple were given the one-in-a-million chance to take over The George Inn, located in Langworth.
Ben and Zara Mcloughlin, who have worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years, were struck hard by the coronavirus lockdown.
Ben was placed on furlough before being made redundant from his job as a chef, whilst Zara was forced to leave her self-employed job at a country pub in the area.
To make matters worse, the couple were then given an eviction notice at the end of May, stating that they had to vacate their home by August.
“Lockdown for us, like many others, was devastating. I lost my business, my husband lost his job and then we lost our home,” said Zara.
While the situation appeared hopeless, they were given a lifeline through a couple of phone conversations with Carl and Claire Brown of Lincolnshire Brewing Company, who were based at The George Inn and had decided to close the brewery and move to Portugal, meaning a vacancy had appeared.
“We were elated. It was like we had won the lottery,” Zara told The Linc.
The couple moved in on 1 August and the pub is set to open today. Opening night has been reserved for the local community, as a thank you for the support they have shown.