In It Together - MichaelBlue Bell Inn & Lodge

Michael Cosgrove has been the business owner of the Blue Bell Inn and Lodge in Desford since 2015, and I think it’s fair to say that despite the pub being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Michael is busier than ever!

“The pub is the heart of this village and at times like these the people need each other and a central point.” says Michael, “we have tried to pull everyone together. We’ve set up a shop to support the village and using our suppliers we can source items like pasta, bread, milk that the big supermarkets are running out of. Many in the village fall into the vulnerable category and don’t want or need to be going out so we are delivering where we can and social distancing when people are collecting. It’s kept me busier than the pub did some days!”

Whilst the pub is closed Michael is putting on lots of virtual nights through Facebook Live, including quiz nights, bingo nights and pub DJ nights. “We’ve had such a great response” says Michael, “people are sat at home bored, wishing they could be down the pub with friends so it seemed only right to try my best to put what I can on for them. The events are not polished by any means, and I’m learning as I go, but everyone is so supportive and getting involved – it really highlights what a great community we have here in Desford. For me, these events just give people in the village and beyond a bit of normality and a chance to see those that they perhaps wouldn’t call but are used to seeing on a weekly basis in the pub – and that’s important..”