A TOP pub in the Hampshire countryside is tackling the rising cost of living by closing two days a week. 

Gordon Stott, owner of the Purefoy Arms, in Preston Candover, a village between  Winchester and Basingstoke, said they took the business decision to only operate Tuesday to Saturday after facing pressure from increased costs.

He said that closing for two days a week has not only saved them in outlay, it has also given the staff a better work-life balance and made the place a happier, more productive place to work. 

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Hampshire Chronicle:

He said: "We are a small fine dining gastro pub, with a small team. At the moment, staff issues are quite a big thing in the industry, as well as food costs, utility costs, and everything going up, like electric and gas.

"To battle these things, we work as a team. We are promoting a better work-life balance. We work with local suppliers quite closely, and that's how we keep coming back stronger." 

Gordon said they have had to pass on some costs to customers but they have tackled the main bulk of the rises by having an extra day off. 

He said: "We have been closing an extra day, so we are only open five days a week which has been helping us to manage our rising costs, that's how we are trying to survive this next year. It will be tough." 

Gordon's pub is well known for being one of the best gastro-pubs in the county.

The pub, which has been in the village since 1860, has picked up several awards such as Gordon being named Pub Chef of the Year, and seen him awarded two AA Rosettes. 

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He said they are trying to stay one step ahead - and that balancing rising costs has not taken its toll on its quality. 

He said: "We're trying to stay ahead of the curve, offering a seven-course taster menu, or five-courses, as well as our set three-course menu and our pub classics like fish and chips and burgers. We have quite a small menu but our quality, techniques and standards are high." 

Gordon was speaking about the issues facing the industry at the Local Produce Trade Show, run by Business South, at the Ageas Bowl. 

For more go to thepurefoyarms.co.uk/