Graham is celebrating the work done by pub landlords at the Crown and Anchor, described by Graham as ‘a true community pub, right at the heart of everything in Kilnsea’.
David and Adrian, who bought the pub seven years ago fulfilling a lifelong dream to run a proper community pub turned the pub into a true destination. They asked Graham to visit following his call for stories about great pubs.
Graham has worked with the Crown and Anchor over the course of many years, including supporting the pub setting up a community shop during the Covid pandemic, seeing the 71 and 75 buses stop outside the pub in March 2024 and during the recent power outages in the village.
Graham met apprentice chef Chloe, who began as a shy pot-washer but is now a confident young chef. The crab salad was highly recommended from a menu which aims to provide something for everybody.
The pub supports the village’s birding community and tourists from the nature reserve and there are times (such as September’s Migfest) when the pub is absolutely heaving. It offers art and crafts made by local people for sale.
Following October’s Budget, which David and Adrian say increased the price of a pint by about 20p (taking into account rising minimum wage, employer National Insurance and Business Rates), the landlords are determined to keep the pub going so it can continue to provide a warm place with great food and support for everything in Kilnsea.
Graham is a strong supporter of pubs, especially since the government was revealed to be putting a £21,000 tax bombshell on hospitality businesses like pubs.
Graham said: “People talk about community being lost these days, but in Kilnsea it’s far from lost; it’s been reinvigorated over the past few years by David and Adrian at the Crown and Anchor!
“They do everything for the town, and it’s been my privilege to help them in a small way over the years.
“If you like good food, good banter in a breathtaking location, make your way down to the Crown and Anchor!”
Adrian and David, landlords of the Crown and Anchor, Kilnsea, said, “As fans of politics, it was great to welcome our MP to the pub and all the more so since he’s supported us with getting a bus stop and during Covid.
“We love running the Crown and Anchor as a community pub and do all we can to help the community, as so many village pubs do.
“Hopefully Graham can help the government see sense and u-turn on their anti-pub measures!”
Cllr Sean McMaster said, “Graham and I had a wonderful visit to the Crown and Anchor in Kilnsea. Speaking to the owners Dave and Adrian, they shared their great experiences of owning the pub, but also their thoughts and concerns regarding the future of the industry and the rising tax levels imposed by the government.
Local pubs are the hub of many communities across the country, their survival is paramount. That is why myself, my ward colleague Cllr. Healing and Graham all support the Save the Local Campaign”.
