Peterborough pub landlord turns dumping ground into alfresco hospitality

The raised bed, one of two outside the Palmerston Arms off Oundle Road in Woodston - which had to be cleared regularly of cans, takeaway remains and drug takers’ needles - was flattened by the city council this week.

And that has allowed landlord Simon Bond the opportunity to smarten up the area with some garden furniture and hopefully boost trade which, under current pandemic restrictions, has been difficult with such a small outdoor space available to him.

“It wasn’t a flower bed it was a dumping ground from which were forever removing beer cans, takeaways and needles,” said Simon. “Getting rid of it is good for the pub but good for Woodston too as it makes this space look nice and tidy.

“The council, which did the work, has been really helpful to be honest,” he added. “I applied for and got a licence for outdoor serving then I said I would like to expand where the raised bed was as it looked awful and attracted street drinkers and drugtakers. This will discourage people from hanging around. We are trying to bring the area up and this will really help. That is why I have been so persistent.”

Simon only reopened last weekend under the outdoor service restrictions as he can only seat about 14 customers in the current outdoor area.

“I have bought some nice garden furniture - six tables of six - which will make such a difference to us and will mean I will be able to open every day of the week.”

The second raised bed, with a cherry tree at the centre, will also benefit.

“We will replant it with herbs and flowers and it will look so much better,” Simon said,